Othman Wahabi is an African Canadian musician who has established himself over the years as a solid slide guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and captivating singer-songwriter. Who draws from his African heritage to create a unique, mystical and evocative sound.
His style is described as a blend of American and African blues, folk, jazz, afro-fusion and ethno-electronic music.
Lyrically, Othman tends to focus on themes such as freedom, social justice, racism and the need for redemption.
Born in Casablanca, Morocco in 1983 and based in Montreal, Canada. He grew up listening to the blues, jazz, rock, reggae and soul music that his father a long time music lover played in the house. He picked up the guitar at the age of 13 and began his career by playing heavy metal and punk rock in Casablanca, performing regularly with KEOPS. One of the first metal bands in Morocco. before finally arriving in Montreal in 2005. After playing in different rock bands, he decided to start a solo career playing blues roots. He released his first solo single in 2013, an acoustic song featuring the slide guitar, which eventually became his signature instrument. In 2014 He released few songs including a Robert Petway's cover called "Catfish Blues" that got over a million views on Youtube. The success from catfish Blues helped him make a name for himself among the international blues community. But it is his versatility as a musician, that brought him positive reviews and an eclectic fan base that stretches beyond the scope of traditional blues music.
Today, beside his career as a solo artist. Othman Wahabi is also the co-founder of the ethno-electronic fusion and jazz duo Afronic Shells featuring Moroccan producer Momo Ryuk and signed to Cafe de Anatolia.