The Gnaoua and World Music Festival in the Moroccan city of Essaouira concluded its 24th edition with a bang, as the streets and alleys of the historic city were filled with loud and diverse musical performances. The festival, which began on June 22, saw most of its performance platforms packed with enthusiastic audiences on its final days.
One of the highlights of the festival was a concert held in the archaeological tower of Marrakesh by the Palestinian group “Trio Gibran.” The group sang about love, revolution, and land, followed by a performance by Abdel Salam Alikan, a renowned teacher of traditional Gnawa music. Alikan blended his music with the sounds of German artist Torsten de Winkle and Moroccan Gnawa artist Hakim Zuhair Amkas.
The Moulay El Hassan platform in the old city center also witnessed various performances, including a show where artist Majid Bagas mixed his Gnaoui tunes with the melodies of Argentine musician Menino Garay, French David Patrois, Moroccan Senegalese Mukhtar Samba, and Frenchman of Moroccan origin Axel Camille. Asmaa El Hamzawy and her band, The Girls of Timbuktu, introduced the audience to the enchanting notes of the Cambri, a stringed instrument used in Gnawa music. They also collaborated with the “African Amazons” band, which consists of artists from different African countries, singing about love, freedom, and supporting the struggles of African women.
The festival also featured a performance by Hamid Al-Kasri, who mixed the tunes of his Gnawi band with the music of American Jalil Shaw and German Torsin de Winkle. Additionally, an impromptu concert took place at the Souiri House in the city center, featuring Gnawa music artists Mustafa Bagbou and Said Boulahimas.
In addition to showcasing Moroccan folklore, the festival welcomed African and foreign teams on various platforms throughout the city, including the Essaouira beach. The attention of musicians and attendees was drawn to the art of traditional Gnawa music, which has spiritual and ideological associations in traditional Moroccan circles. The discovery of the common roots between Gnawa art and jazz and blues music further piqued interest in this unique genre.
Researchers attribute the origins of these musical influences to Africa and its historical ties to the slave trade. Africans brought their music, which expressed their pain and hopes for emancipation and freedom, to North African countries, which served as ports for their journey to Europe and North America.
The 24th edition of the festival featured approximately 40 concerts, along with intellectual seminars and music workshops. Intellectuals from both inside and outside Morocco participated in these events, providing a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue. Founded in 1998, the Gnaoua and World Music Festival has become one of the most important music festivals in Morocco, alongside the Mawazine Festival of Rhythms of the Year and the Fez Festival of Sacred Music.
How did the fusion of Gnawa rhythms and contemporary rock music contribute to the mesmerizing performance by the band Power at the Gnaoua and World Music Festival?
Power, also gave a mesmerizing performance on the same platform with their fusion of Gnawa rhythms and contemporary rock music.
The festival not only showcased the talents of local and international artists but also celebrated the cultural diversity of Essaouira, which has long been a meeting point for different cultures and musical traditions. This year’s edition welcomed artists from Palestine, Germany, Argentina, France, and Senegal, among others, who all brought their unique styles and sounds to the stage.
In addition to the main performances, the festival also featured workshops, exhibitions, and debates, allowing attendees to delve deeper into the world of Gnawa music and its cultural significance. These interactive events provided a platform for dialogue and exchange, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for this traditional form of music.
The Gnaoua and World Music Festival has become a key event on Morocco’s cultural calendar, attracting music lovers from around the world to the enchanting city of Essaouira. With its rich history and vibrant music scene, it is no wonder that this festival continues to grow in popularity year after year.
As the 24th edition came to a close, the streets of Essaouira were still buzzing with the echoes of captivating melodies and the contagious energy of the performers. The festival had once again succeeded in bringing people together through the universal language of music, creating a truly unforgettable experience for all who attended.
“The Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira truly encapsulates the essence of cultural diversity and musical brilliance. With its pulsating energy and vibrant performances, it proves to be an exhilarating and unforgettable conclusion to this stunning festival.”
“The Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira is the epitome of cultural vibrancy and musical diversity. This remarkable celebration not only showcases the richness of Gnaoua music but also brings together a harmonious blend of world music genres. It’s the perfect finale that leaves you captivated by the rhythm and spirit of Essaouira.”