Born in a Fez café, Moroccan vocalist Lamiae Naki and multi-instrumentalist Nat Hulskamp wrote their first song together—beginning a lifelong partnership and shaping a unique sound that bridges continents and traditions. They named the band after Fez’s historic metalworking square, where the pulse of hammer on copper echoes through generations; Seffarine channels that same rhythmic vitality into music that is both ancient and boldly new.
At the heart is Lamiae’s luminous voice, weaving Moroccan Arabic poetry through sweeping Andalusi melodies, grounded by Nat’s masterful command of flamenco guitar and oud. With a virtuosic international ensemble, Seffarine shapes a richly textured sonic landscape—where the kamancheh sings, basslines groove, and intricate melodic rhythms intertwine. The result is a one-of-a-kind sound rooted at the crossroads of Arabic, Andalusian, flamenco, and West African traditions—an intricate, living conversation across the Straits of Gibraltar.
Awraq uses the imagery of wind-blown leaves to reflect the emotional journey of leaving one’s homeland. It captures the fear, loneliness, and disorientation of separation, while also revealing a quiet transformation—where uncertainty gives way to acceptance and new possibilities. Through the movement of the leaves across valleys and into new lands, the song explores both the pain of displacement and the beauty of growth, resilience, and discovering a wider world beyond what was once home.
Lamiae Naki vocals
Nat Hulskamp Flamenco Guitar, Oud
Bobak Salehi on electric violin, setar and kamancheh
Phil Baker on Bass
T.J. Troy on Percussion
Master Of Ceremonies: Demet Tuncer
Camera: Jesus Contreras, Lani Milton, James Krzmarzick, Alex Thornburg
Video Edit: Sam Gaty
Post Video Edit and Color: Gaty
Sound : Joel Groves, Aloha Sound, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
Sound Post Mixing & Mastering: Joshua Powell
Lights: John Oribello, Cailin Cable High School
Stage Backdrop: PLACE
Stage Manager: Stacy Waters
Location Manager: Mia Bane, Cailin Cable High School
Technical Manager: Todd Baize
Logistics: Trina Hing, Alexandra Kotova
Executive Producer: Sankar Raman
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