SAID BELHAJ

From Urban Climber #20

Name: Said Belhaj.

In it: About 15 years — climbed pro for the last six. I’m 26.

Home: My base is Gothenburg, Sweden, but I’m away more than I’m at home.

Sponsors: Peak Performance, Petzl, La Sportiva, Beal, Hilleberg, Verve, Maxim Bars.

Local Climbing Area: The whole Bohus coast just north of Gothenburg is where I climbed a lot when I spent more time in Sweden. Now, Catalunya, in Spain, or the south of France feel more local, actually.

Most memorable climbing experience: It’s hard to pick just one. I’d say some of the onsights I’ve done in Spain and France, or the big walls in Mali and Morocco. I’ve also had a great time climbing in the States.

You have another passion aside from climbing, don’t you?
Yep, I’m also a musician. I play traditional music from Morocco and West Africa. In these cases I play a three-stringed bass lute called the Guibri and a six-stringed harp lute called a Dosso N’goni (AKA the hunters harp). I also play different percussions with bands at nightclubs.

How long have you been a musician?
First, I played classic violin for 10 years, but it was never really 100% my bag. I’ve been into the music I play now for 10 years and counting.

Do you feel that climbing and music relate to each other in some way?
There is definitely a rhythm in both climbing and music. But I’d say that’s where the similarities end. Climbing requires a lot of effort both physically and mentally. Music is just...music. It needs some focus, but that’s it.

Where’s your favorite climbing destination?
For the pure climbing experience, and the style that I like most, I’d say you never have to go anywhere else in the world but Spain and France for incredible sport climbing. But, I’ll admit that it’s also interesting to visit new places. I’ve climbed in 20 different countries so far and have had great experiences in all of them.

Do you have a climbing hero you’d like to shout out to?
There are some really inspiring climbers out there, and I’d like to thank all of the people that I’ve met and climbed with through the years.

You planning on spending any time in the States this year?
I’m actually here for the moment. Right now I’m climbing in Boulder, but leaving for the Red River Gorge in Kentucky in about a week for a big climbing festival (Petzl Roc Trip/Rocktoberfest). There’s going to be loads of climbing and maybe some good music.

Finally, tell us where to find your music.
I’m mainly a live artist and haven’t recorded much, but check out some of these: giddabush.com, myspace.com/giddabush, asharkhan.se, myspace.com/asharkhan, myspace.com/treqgnawa — and enjoy!