Gnawa, a mainstay of Moroccan music
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Loading... - Valazquez Eri
- 09 May 2023
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Moroccan music is currently making waves on social media platforms such as TikTok, with hits like "Darba 9adiya" by Moha K, Yam, and DYSTINC going viral. What makes these songs stand out is the unique sound of the guembri, a key instrument in Gnawa music, which adds a captivating touch to the tracks.
Gnawa music is a fusion of indigenous African rhythms, spiritual chants, and trance-like melodies, originating from West African communities in the Sahel region. The Gnawa people, who were once West African slaves, brought this musical tradition to Morocco, where it has become an integral part of the country's cultural heritage.
The development of Gnawa music in Morocco is linked to the Trans-Saharan slave trade, and the Gnawa were an elite unit of slave-soldiers that protected Moroccan royalty. Over time, they integrated into Moroccan society and their music evolved into a unique synthesis of traditional African elements, Arab, and Berber influences.
Gnawa music is deeply spiritual and is often associated with healing rituals and ceremonies known as "lila" or "derdeba." Led by a "maalem" or master musician, these events use music to induce trance states, allowing participants to connect with ancestral spirits and seek guidance, healing, or protection. Women play a vital role in Gnawa music, both as performers and as organizers and hosts of ceremonies, ensuring that the tradition is passed down through generations.
The guembri, a three-stringed bass made of hollowed wood and adorned with camel or goat skin, and the krakebs, large metal castanets that produce a distinctive and percussive sound, are among the traditional instruments that form the foundation of Gnawa music. Renowned Gnawa musicians such as Maalem Mahmoud Guinia and Hamid El Kasri have gained international fame due to their captivating performances and mastery of these unique instruments.
In recent years, Gnawa music has experienced a resurgence, with artists from various genres incorporating its hypnotic sound into their own work. Fusion projects led by musicians such as Hamid El Kasri blend Gnawa music with jazz, blues, reggae, and electronic music, attracting new audiences to discover this ancestral tradition.
The Gnawa World Music Festival, held annually in Essaouira, Morocco, is a celebration of Gnawa music, culture, and heritage. Since its establishment in 1997, the festival has become one of Africa's largest music events, attracting both local and international artists, as well as thousands of visitors from around the world.
In conclusion, Gnawa music is an essential component of Morocco's cultural heritage, combining traditional African elements, Arab, and Berber influences to create a unique and captivating sound.
