Nour Harkati is a Tunisian, New York–based, desert blues musician, singer-songwriter, forging a powerful bridge between ancestral North African traditions and the raw pulse of contemporary urban sound. Deeply rooted in spiritual Gnawa rhythms and the trance-driven spirit of desert blues, he blends the ancient resonance of the Guembri with gritty NYC drums, electronic textures, and modern songcraft. The result is a sound that is both meditative and electrifying-philosophical in depth, yet irresistibly groove-driven.
His latest album, Moulena (December 11, 2024), premiered worldwide on Live on KEXP and stands as a vibrant homage to his North African roots and a tribute to those who journey far from home. With poetic lyricism and infectious rhythms, Moulena marks a bold new chapter—where the soul of the desert meets the relentless energy of New York City.
After eight transformative years living in NYC, Harkati has performed on major international stages including GlobalFEST at Lincoln Center, Celebrate Brooklyn Festival, and Habibi Festival, and will take up a month-long residency at Pioneer Works. Across continents and communities, Nour Harkati continues to redefine desert blues for a global audience—honoring lineage while fearlessly pushing it forward.