David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, Frieda and Roy Furman Stage
Founded in 1988 in Casablanca, Hoba Hoba Spirit draws its drive from the bold clack of qarqaba (double castanets) and rhythmic swagger of North Africa. Calling their signature sound “haiha music,” loosely translated as “wild partying music,” the group is equally inspired by indie rock, punk, and Gnawa, the Sufi music of Morocco brought to the country by slaves from Mali and other West African countries over many centuries. With high-energy delivery, heavy guitars, and droll plays on words (in at least three languages), this band is Morroc’n Roll—a hook-laden, thought-provoking party.