Yas is a five-piece Moroccan fusion band that brings together the hypnotic rhythms of Gnawa with the energy and groove of Western musical traditions. Rooted in the driving pulse of West African and North African rhythms, their sound blends funk, blues, rock and subtle dance influences into a vibrant, contemporary musical journey.
At the heart of Yas is the rich Gnawa tradition of call-and-response vocals in Arabic, interwoven with soaring melodies, infectious grooves and deep, trance-like rhythms. Drawing on centuries-old musical heritage while embracing modern influences, the band creates performances that are both uplifting and immersive, inviting audiences to move, connect and celebrate across cultures. Gnawa has long been a musical tradition which has fascinated Western musicians – the Led Zeppelin legends Robert Plant & Jimmy Page traveled to Morocco in 1994 to record portions of their No Quarter (Unledded) project, performing and filming alongside traditional Gnawa musicians.
For the Global Collective Festival, Yas will present a unique collaborative set with jazz quartet Duck, joined by local trumpeter Sam Orchard and guitarist John Sealey. Together they will explore the meeting point of Moroccan tradition and contemporary jazz, weaving improvisation, groove and cross-cultural dialogue into a one-off performance that celebrates the power of musical collaboration.