Mehdi Chamma is a guitarist, guembri player, composer, music producer, and singer-songwriter. He creates original music shaped by a fusion of  jazz, blues, soul rock, and North West African traditions. enriched by his warm guitar and guembri tone. He writes lyrics and sings in his native language, as well as in English and French.

​Born in a coastal city in Morocco, Chamma began playing guitar at the age of 15. Like many young Moroccans without formal access to music education, he taught himself by ear transcribing records by artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Mark Knopfler, Pat Metheny, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour and Carlos Santana. At the same time, he grew up surrounded by the rich rhythmic traditions of his cultural heritage, such as gnawa music  and chaabi rhythms. clapping and rhythmic table tapping were an integral part of daily life in his community. ​All these fusions of modern and ethno sounds would go on to influence his future musical style.

​​Chamma later collaborated with the french institute, and performed in many culturel events, working alongside international artists from genres such as indie, alternative rock, jazz, and world music, he also performed at various festivals. During this period he attended workshops in music and songwriting led by renowned international artists, which further enriched his musical approach. He later performed at music festivals both as a band member and as a solo artist. Chamma also spent over six months in Morocco’s desert regions of Dakhla, Errachidia-Errissani, and M'hamid El Ghizlane, collaborating with local artists  rooted in the desert Hassani music with nomadic traditions, exploring earthy acoustic sounds through instruments such as the oud (luth), guembri, percussion and acoustic guitar.

​His journey then took him to Turkey, where he toured and performed both as a solo artist and as part of a trio across İzmir, Özdere, Gümüldür, and Kuşadası. After years of international collaboration and musical exploration, he returned to Morocco for a short time before eventually settling in Vienna, where he graduated with distinction in Jazz and Popular Music.

​These diverse musical experiences have shaped him into a distinctive musician, devoted to creating music that bridges modern with  traditional sounds, cultures and genres a pursuit he continues to share on festival stages and at music events to this day.

​“In my creative process, I don’t start with a fixed theme or concept. I allow my instinct to lead me, often beginning with a simple musical idea or an improvised melody, my lyrics can then naturally take shape.”

      (Ö1 Jazz Radio interview, 17.02.2025)

Over the past decade, Chamma has collaborated with artists from Austria, France, USA, Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco, Turkey, Congo, Iran and England.

Mehdi Chamma recorded the album Layla wa Bahr (Night and Sea), a collection of original compositions centered around guitar and guembri. The album also features trombone, keyboard, bass, and drums, blending instrumental and vocal tracks with captivating melodies, a mix of traditional and modern rhythms, and a strong sense of storytelling. It was recorded in Vienna with the finest musicians of the local music scene.

 “A powerful, original, and warm sound flows from the speakers.”

      (Guitar & Bass magazine)

Since its release, Mehdi Chamma has been actively performing, making a lasting musical impact at every festival. He is currently bringing new songs from his upcoming album to life in his performances, while continuing to share messages of love, authenticity, and art through his music.