The 18th Annual Gnaoua Music Festival took place in Essaouira, on Morocco’s Atlantic Coast from May 14th -17th. Every year, the festival showcases the best of Moroccan Gnaoua musicians and a wide array of Gnaoua and world music. Gnaoua is a musical genre based in Sufi Islamic culture with its roots in sub-Saharan Africa. Moroccan and international artists are also invited to perform, often, in unique fusion concerts alongside Gnaoua groups. One of the most anticipated World Music acts at this year’s festival was Hindi Zahra, a Moroccan-born vocalist who played Essaouira for the first time.
Tag: Moroccan Music
On Marrakech’s Djemaa El Fna Square amongst the orange juice stalls and story tellers you will find stalls with CD’s testifying to the popularity and importance of Morocco’s contemporary music scene which began with the accession of King Mohammed VI in 1999 when greater liberalization of musical genre especially for young people who sought music which reflected their aspirations was gradually phased in and supported with musical festivals organized with royal support and sponsorship like the annual Mazawine Music Festival in Rabat, The Gnawa Festival in Essaouria and the World Sacred Music Festival in Fez. Moroccan TV and radio channels also play an important role with live performances. The Moroccan contemporary music scene and its festivals have successfully fused elements of its ancient Berber musical traditions with modern music such as Chaabi, Hiphop and Rai and Rap.
On Marrakech’s Jemma el Fna Square amongst the orange juice stalls and story tellers you…
One of the most exciting ways to spend an evening in Marrakech when touring with a Marrakech Travel Agency such as Travel Exploration is to attend the Chez Ali Fantasia Dinner Show at Al Kasbah in Marrakech’s Palmary.The Chez Ali Fantasia show at Al Kasbah is a Moroccan Travel equestrian spectacle and a must see for those who enjoy Moroccan Moroccan music and Moroccan food. In fact the Chez Ali Fantasia show is also attended by local Marrakeshi’s and Moroccans who come to Marrakech for vacation. Attending Chez Ali guarantees an Absolute Morocco experience.
For the past ten years one weekend every June the Moroccan city of Essaouira has…