Grab your chairs and blankets, pack a picnic lunch, and head to Littlejohn Park to enjoy the outdoors and AZA, in a free afternoon celebration of North African music and history on Saturday, June 15, at noon. Littlejohn Park is located at 1422 Buena Vista Ave., and is easily accessible by both bike and AC Transit.
Presented by Rhythmix Cultural Works and Alameda Recreation & Parks Department, AZA unites traditional North African Tamazight music—often incorrectly labeled as “Berber” music—with the global influences of its members. With elements of indigenous Moroccan musical styles, including Ahwash, Rwais, and Gnawa, AZA’s stirring performances feature deep, danceable rhythms, intricate melodies, and soaring soulful vocals. Visually dynamic and engaging performers, AZA has been inspiring international audiences for more than 20 years.
Founding members Fattah Abbou and Mohamed Aoualou are Imazighen, native to Morocco, where they played and studied music for more than 35 years and are recognized as master musicians. They formed AZA in Santa Cruz, California, after moving to the United States more than 20 years ago. The unique exchange between Moroccan and Californian musicians has proved potent—AZA has produced four albums of original compositions and has performed at music festivals, clubs, and universities around the United States and abroad.
AZA’s endeavors are not limited to music. The Imazighen are indigenous people of North Africa whose recorded history dates back to 3,300 years ago. Fattah and Mohamed have always been part of the Amazigh movement and effort to revive a culture that has been marginalized for centuries. Through their musical events, AZA continues to inspire awareness about the Amazigh culture, so that it may be recognized and appreciated among the indigenous people of the world.
The concert at Littlejohn Park is FREE for all ages. Please RSVP online.
