Born in Marrakech, Mustapha Bakbou grew up in a Gnaouia Zaouia, where his father, M`aalem (Master) El-Ayachi Bakbou, initiated him to the art of Tagnaouite. Mustapha B0akbou was a member of the Jil Jilala band and participated to the folk musical movement of the 1970’s. In the various festivals he took part in, he, again and again, proved his ever-renewed talent, his will to bring the Gnawa art to the fore—acquainting people with its most traditional dimensions—and his capacity to blend this tradition with all musical genres. M`aalem Mustapha Bakbou has performed on a number of scenes in America, China, and Europe.