Musique Marocaine: Tradition et Danses

Musique Marocaine

• Moroccan music reflects its rich ethnic and cultural heritage.
• Origins blend sub-Saharan rhythms, Arab-Oriental modalities, and refined instruments.
• Different musical styles correspond to different linguistic regions.

Rif Region

• Ancient warrior dances (Aarfa, Fantasia) performed by Imedyazen.
• Allaoui dance in the Oriental plateaus.
• Rifain poetry (Ay Ralla Buya, Izran) sung by men close to a wedding.

Souss Region

• Ahouach dance (men and women), a nocturnal ceremony.
• Women form a circle around a fire, men in a smaller circle using bendirs (drums).
• Rhythms build, culminating when the circle splits into two groups facing each other.

Moyen Atlas Region

• Ahidous dance (men and women).
• Couples dance, then individuals spin and sway gracefully.

Southern Morocco

• Guedra dance originating from the Sahara.
• Performed by a small group of men, one playing a pottery drum (guedra).
• Woman in the center, dressed in blue, moves with rhythmic head and hand movements.

Gnaoua Music

• Gnaoua music is a spiritual and cultural journey, inscribed in UNESCO's intangible heritage list in 2019.
• A rich history of African sub-Saharan culture.
• The music is deeply immersive, creating a parallel world of chants and dances.
• Key instruments include the Lguembri and Qraqeb drums.
• Artists like Led Zeppelin, and Pat Metheny have performed alongside renowned Moroccan musicians.

Other Musical Styles

• Andaloussi (3 forms): al ala, al gharniti, and matrouz, Malhoun (poetic tradition), Samae (sacred vocal chant).