Stambali: The Soulful Echo of Tunisia’s Marginalized history
On a vibrant evening in the heart of tunis, the rhythmic beats of Stambali music filled Habib Bourguiba Street, captivating a crowd gathered for the tenth Carthage Music Days. the voice of Belhassen Mihoub, accompanied by the rattles of shaqshaq and the deep tones of gambari, transported listeners to a forgotten chapter of Tunisia’s history—a chapter written by the marginalized, the enslaved, and the resilient.
Stambali,often referred to as “Negro music,” is more than just a musical genre. It is a profound artistic expression rooted in the pain and hope of Tunisian and African slaves. Known as Al-diwan in Algeria, Makari in Libya, and Gnawa in Morocco, this art form transcends borders, carrying within it a tapestry of contradictions.It is indeed a voice of anger against oppression,a hymn of suffering,and yet,a beacon of hope for those who created it.
The Heartbeat of Stambali
Table of Contents
At it’s core, Stambali is a fusion of music, singing, dancing, and folkloric performance. Historically, it relies on two primary instruments: the shaqshaq (rattles) and the gambari (a type of drum). Over time, the genre has evolved, incorporating additional instruments like the harp and drums, reflecting the openness of Tunisian artists to cross-cultural influences.
The performances are not just auditory experiences but visceral ones. As Mihoub’s band played classics like Hamouda, By God, Peace be upon you, and Baba Bahri, the audience was swept into a trance-like state, moving instinctively to the music.This is the magic of Stambali—it bypasses logic and choreography, speaking directly to the soul.
Mythical Characters and cultural Icons
Central to Stambali are its mythical characters, Bousadia and Zambala, who embody the genre’s surreal and spiritual essence. Bousadia, with his enigmatic mask and haunting dance, is a figure of dread and fascination. Tunisian mothers frequently enough invoke his name to coax their children to sleep, warning, “We will bring you Bousadia.”
Zambala, on the other hand, represents the physical and emotional torment of slavery. His performances involve acts of endurance, such as fire-eating and glass-devouring, leaving audiences in awe of his supernatural resilience. These characters are not just entertainers; they are storytellers, preserving the history of a people who endured unimaginable suffering.
A Spiritual legacy
Historically, Stambali was deeply intertwined with Zawi, the shrines of righteous saints. These spiritual spaces became sanctuaries for the art form, ensuring its survival through generations. Today, Stambali remains a marginalized art, performed in the streets and passed down through families, particularly among the descendants of zawi.Despite its cultural richness, Stambali struggles for recognition. Yet, it persists, a testament to the resilience of Tunisia’s Black minority. As one of the many artistic forms born from suffering, it stands alongside traditions like the Ghabunten sects of southern Tunisia, which also express themes of slavery and liberation.
A Call to Preserve and Celebrate
The story of Stambali is a reminder of the power of art to heal, to resist, and to unite. It is a living archive of Tunisia’s history, one that deserves to be celebrated and preserved. As audiences continue to gather on the streets of Tunis, swaying to the rhythms of Stambali, they are not just witnessing a performance—they are participating in a centuries-old ritual of resilience and hope.
| Key Elements of Stambali | Description |
|——————————|—————–|
| Instruments | Shaqshaq (rattles), gambari (drum), harp, and drums |
| Themes | Suffering, resistance, hope, and spiritual healing |
| Characters | Bousadia (mysterious dancer), Zambala (endurance performer) |
| Cultural Significance | Rooted in the history of Tunisian and African slaves; associated with Zawi shrines |
To experience the haunting beauty of Stambali, watch this full album of Tunisian Stambali music. For a deeper dive into its anthropological and artistic significance, explore this article on Stambali’s ritualistic roots.Let us honour Stambali—not just as music, but as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who refused to be silenced.
Headline:
Unveiling the Soulful Echo: A Conversation with Tunisia’s Stambali Specialist,Dr. Lamia Kessentini
Introduction:
In the heart of Tunis, the pulsating rhythms of Stambali music echoed through Habib Bourguiba Street, stirring the soul and whisking listeners back to Tunisia’s rich, yet often overlooked history. More than just a musical genre, Stambali is an artistic expression rooted in the resilience and hopes of the marginalized and enslaved. Today, we welcome Dr. Lamia Kessentini,a renowned anthropologist and specialist in Tunisian cultural heritage,to discuss this powerful art form and its profound importance.
1. The Heartbeat of Stambali
Senior editor (SE): Dr. kessentini, could you walk us through the core elements of Stambali and how it has evolved over time?
Dr. Lamia Kessentini (LK): Certainly! At its heart, Stambali is a fusion of music, singing, dance, and folkloric performance. Traditionally, it relies on two primary instruments: the shaqshaq (rattles) and the gambari (a type of drum). Today, the genre has evolved, incorporating additional instruments like the harp and drums, reflecting Tunisian artists’ openness to cross-cultural influences. What’s interesting is that Stambali performances are not just auditory experiences, but visceral ones. They bypass logic and choreography, speaking directly to the soul.
SE: That’s beautifully put.How has this fusion of art forms contributed to Stambali’s enduring appeal and relevance?
LK: The fusion of art forms in Stambali creates a multi-sensory experience that touches people on deep emotional levels. It’s a form of expression that transcends words, Georgetown University professor unlocks the magic of Stambali lies in its ability to connect people universally to themes of resilience, hope, and overcoming suffering, regardless of their background or language.
2. Mythical Characters and Cultural Icons
SE: Stambali’s mythical characters, Bousadia and Zambala, are integral to the genre. Could you tell us more about these figures and their cultural significance?
LK: Indeed, Bousadia and Zambala are not just entertainers; they are storytellers who embody the surreal and spiritual essence of Stambali. Bousadia, with his enigmatic mask and haunting dance, is a figure of dread and fascination, often used by Tunisian mothers to discipline their children. On the other hand, Zambala represents the physical and emotional torment of slavery, his performances involving acts of endurance like fire-eating and glass-devouring. These characters are not just characters; they are living repositories of Tunisia’s history, notably that of its enslaved population.
3. A Spiritual legacy and Struggle for Recognition
SE: Historically, Stambali has been deeply intertwined with Zawi, the shrines of righteous saints. How has this spiritual connection shaped the art form, and what challenges does it face today?
LK: Stambali’s connection with Zawi has ensured its survival through generations, providing sanctuaries for the art form to flourish even during difficult times. Though, despite its profound cultural richness and past significance, Stambali remains a marginalized art, performed mostly in the streets and passed down through families. Today, it struggles for recognition and support from the larger Tunisian society. Yet, it persists, a testament to the resilience of Tunisia’s Black minority.
SE: That’s truly inspiring. How can we as a community support and preserve this rich cultural heritage?
LK: First and foremost, we must listen and engage with Stambali artists and their stories. We should also support initiatives that promote stambali performances, education, and conservation efforts. Lastly, we can advocate for stambali to be recognized and protected as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural heritage, ensuring its enduring presence in Tunisia and the world.
4. Hope and Resilience
SE: Dr.Kessentini, what does Stambali tell us about Tunisia’s history and the human experience?
LK: Stambali tells us that even in the face of unimaginable suffering, the human spirit finds ways to resist, to heal, and to find joy. It’s a testament to the power of culture as a tool for survival, preservation, and resistance. Every time we hear the shaqshaq rattle and the gambari drum, we are reminded of the enduring spirit of Tunisia’s marginalized communities, who refused to be silenced.
SE: Thank you, Dr. Kessentini, for sharing your insights and expertise on Stambali. Your passion for preserving Tunisia’s cultural heritage is truly inspiring.
LK: My pleasure. Thank you for providing a platform to discuss and celebrate this astounding art form.