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.
Seffarine takes on the iconic Palestinian folk song Hadi Ya Bahr (“Keep Calm, Oh Sea”), written by the legendary Palestinian poet Abu Arab (Ibrahim Mohammed Saleh), whose words have come to symbolize the struggles of his people. The song uses the sea as a profound metaphor: a bridge between those who are scattered, a witness to loss, and a keeper of memory.
In Seffarine’s rendition, Lamiae’s voice carries the emotional weight of exile and hope, while the band channels this poignant legacy through their signature fusion of sounds, transforming the piece into a powerful and moving rallying cry for the resilience of the Palestinian people.
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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