HAYEA was born out of the encounter between singer and musician Claire Alloul, and Mauro Basilio, arranger and musician. Coming from different musical backgrounds, it was their passion for improvisation, jazz and traditional music that brought them together. Their love of Sephardic songs led them to form the Hayea trio, together with the talented percussionist Khalid Kouhen, an inspired improviser and true musician without borders.
Claire’s voice accompanied by her bendir, Mauro’s arrangements and percussive playing on the oud, Khalid’s multiple rhythmic colours on percussion (udo, gourds, pandeiro, daf) blend together to form a unique ensemble that enriches and modernises this music from another time.