Inspired by many influences, from psychedelic to Egyptian shaabi, Maurice Louca’s second albumBenhayyi Al-Baghbaghan(Salute the Parrot), released on Nawa Recordings in November 2014, shattered the confines of musical and cultural labelling and was dubbed by many as a game-changer for the region’s bustling independent music scene.

Amidst his collaborations and inconspicuous touring across Europe and the Arab world in the last few years, Louca has sought a richer and much more complex sound.Benhayyi Al-Baghbaghan, the fruit of such intense reinvention and a departure from his first solo albumGarraya, is a work that leaves ample space for fluidity and improvisation, paving the way for unique live renderings.

Louca is an Egyptian musician and composer born in Cairo where he lives and works. As well as being the co-founder of the bands Bikya, Alif and Dwarves of East Agouza, he lends his sound to numerous projects, composing for theatre, film and contemporary art.