Some songs simply entertain, while others leave a lasting impression. On Thursday evening in Chandigarh, Alright Mela managed to do both.

This performance was part of Fête de la Musique 2026, a worldwide celebration of French music. Central to their sound is Gnawa, a musical tradition that traces its roots back to the history of sub-Saharan Africans who were enslaved in North Africa, thriving through trance, rhythm, and shared memories. Their music delves into profound themes such as migration, tolerance, coexistence, and identity, reflecting both historical narratives and modern-day realities.

Vocalist Jaouad El Garouge, who grew up in Essaouira on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, leads the group. Accompanying him are Cheb Xavi on keyboards and electronics, and Markus on electric oud. Together, this trio traverses musical landscapes from Europe to the Maghreb and the Middle East, crafting sounds that resonate with the body before the mind.

Their songs carry weight. Jaouad, now residing in Paris, witnesses the daily arrival of displaced individuals from Syria, Iran, and Somalia, each bearing stories of hardship that are difficult to articulate. He states, “It is impossible not to be sensitive to that topic.” He refrains from labeling it activism, explaining, “We don’t have time just to fight. We also convey a message.” Cheb Xavi adds, “We create poetry around these issues to help people understand.”

The outcome is music that intertwines sorrow and joy, a hallmark of Gnawa tradition. “It feels like a ceremony,” Jaouad explains. “You dance until you reach a trance state. The body must express itself too.”

When asked what he hoped the audience would take away, he answered without hesitation, “A moment of joy. People should coexist in love. This is our primary and ultimate message.”

By the conclusion of the evening, the origin of the music became irrelevant; what mattered was the energy in the room. The band is set to perform next in Hyderabad on June 21.