Hindi Zahra and “Handmade”: a debut released by Blue Note and awarded France’s Prix Constantin

Hindi Zahra was born in 1979 in Khouribg, Morocco, and now lives in France. Her father was associated with the army, while her mother could be described as an occasional actress and singer, primarily caring for home and family. It seems likely that her mother’s interests inspired Hindi Zahra’s creative pursuits. At 18, she left school and found her first job at the Louvre, giving her the opportunity to get close to art and discover it from within. Shortly afterwards, Hindi secretly began writing her first lyrics and melodies.

Hindi Zahra’s music is compared to Billy Holiday and Norah Jones, distinguished by the exotic quality of her French-Moroccan origins. She subtly combines contemporary elements and Eastern sounds, delighting with a fresh sound and beautiful voice. Her finest recommendation is that French Blue Note released debut “Handmade” in 2010, followed that November by France’s Constantin award for Best Album of the Year.

At the Wrocław concert, she will promote her latest album, “Homeland”, released this year. It pays tribute to Hindi Zahra’s homeland and roots, musically rich roots where her mother and aunts listened to Berber and Indian music, while uncles played Led Zeppelin and Bob Marley. It also reflects years travelling and absorbing sounds worldwide. Recorded in Paris, the songs share warmth, cheerfulness and spaciousness.

They are the result of Hindi Zahra’s frequent stays in places with abundant sunshine and the expanse of the sea or ocean. The songs move slowly and majestically. Her inspirations offer a clue to what to expect from “Homeland”: Miriam Makeba, Césaria Evora, Marvin Gaye and Nina Simone, among others. Reviewers, meanwhile, compare her to artists such as Beth Gibbons, Manu Chao, Billie Holiday, Patti Smith and Norah Jones.

▶