Gnawa Music

Gnawa music: The gnaouas are musicians who gather around a master called "Mu 'alem. They are the descendants of black slaves from the Moroccan sahara, Guinea, Mali, Senegal and Sudan, and arrived in Morocco by ancient lineages that have alternated in the founding of the Almohad Empire in the XIIth century.

A festival devoted to them in June in Essaouira or they celebrate Sidna Bilal. The gnaouas or gnawas can also perform as individuals in ceremonies called "lila." These are ceremonies in which they attempt to exorcise the demons out of the patient.

They are believed to br helped by a psychic "chouaafa" which goes into a trance at the sound of the gnawa. This ceremony lasts until daybreak.

These are old beliefs and a little disconcerting but they are their beliefs. Festival Gnawa and World Music of Essaouira is a festival involving artists and enthusiasts worldwide that welcomes artists and enthusiasts worldwide..

Since its inception in 1998, the Essaouira Festival has established itself as a cultural celebration of the utmost importance with the participation of international artists and audiences increasingly numerous.

Twenty thousand people attended its first edition, and the latter received more than 400,000, mostly from abroad. It encourages intersection of dialogues and exchanges, the festival includes all musical trends, but focuses on the work of famous musicians in the region of Essaouira.

Although they are monotheists, the Gnawas base their beliefs on the existence of 'jinns' (spirits), and their rites retain characteristics similar to African cults of possession.The most important and spectacular celebrations is the 'Lila' whose function is primarily therapeutic. During the rite the saints pray elmaâlem spirits possess the followers who fall into a trance.

The ceremony is similar to voodoo in Haiti and Macumba in Brazil.

The result is an intense encounter between the heirs of the old tradition and performers of different backgrounds, a sort of trip to the common roots of yesteryear. The Master Gnawa musicians invite pop, jazz, rock, and others to participate, creating an extraordinary laboratory of musical fusions. Note that in traditional music instruments most used are the lute, drum three strings (guembri), rattlesnakes (qraqeb) and drums (ganga).

Press release from the 9th Festival Mawazine

Since its inception in 2001, the Association Morocco Cultures with the Region of Rabat a prestigious festival theme with a universal concept and bearer of values MAWAZINE - RHYTHMS OF THE WORLD.

The choice of this theme has become obvious, the rhythms constituting a window on the world, the identity of the country, bringing the concepts of earth, origins and authenticity.

Festival Mawazine therefore forms an approach of openness to world cultures, offering the public a musical journey around the planet. Diversity of sounds and rhythms is the watchword of this event, became in some editions of one of the largest festivals in the world. It will take place this year from May 21 to 29.

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