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Essaouira’s 14th Annual Andalusian Music Festival

Sunday, October 29th, 2017

Essaouira Program Poster

Held yearly in October for the past 14 years, this year’s Andalusia-Atlantic festival is the 14th edition and takes place from Thursday October 26^th – 29^th, 2017 on the Coast of Morocco.

The Atlantic Andalusia Festival highlights the Andalusian musical heritage of the Spanish-Moroccan cradle. It is the perfect fall event for all music officiados and those with a penchant for the coastal town of Essaouira.

The Andalousia-Atlantic festival is one of three of Essaouira’s most important cultural events. The Andalousia-Atlantic festival together with the Gnaoua Festival & World Music festival along with the Printemps Musicale festival make Essaouira one of Morocco’s liveliest places to visit.

The Andalusia-Atlantic festival pays homage to the shared Arabo-Andalusian heritage of Morocco and Spain. As a coastal town on the Atlantic that has tourists visiting year round, Essaouira historically has been known for it’s openness, the arts and for it’s fresh seafood.

Often referred to as an artist colony with a strong alize, Essaouira boasts a wide variety of music festivals and artists both Moroccan and foreign who live there year round.

The Andalusia-Atlantic festival concerts are free free with limited seating. Seminars, discussions and workshops on various cultural subjects are held and offer a stimulating and engaging atmosphere for those interested in topics related to music and culture.

14th Annual Andalusian Festival

Highlights of the 14^th Andalusia-Atlantic festival is the 14^th festival are, an opening concert featuring Abderrahim Souiri, and Rabbi Haim Louk, one of the leading icons of Judeo-Andalusian music. These two outstanding musicians will be accompanied by Mohamed Larbi Temsamani’s tetanus orchestra led by the great master Mohamed Amine El Akrami.

This series of 4-day concerts the concerts will also feature pieces of popular Moroccan repertoire, such as chaâbi, chgouri and melhoun revisited by Raymonde El Bidaouia, flamenco. Distinguished guest, Mercedes Ruiz, elected in 2015 flamenco star dancer in Spain will perform accompanied by her musicians and singers.

Another highlight of this edition is the unpublished duo of Rabbi David Menahem, a homecoming for him, and Palestinian singer Loubna Salama, who is coming to Morocco for the first time. Musicians from other regions of Eastern Europe will also be featured such as the Czech group Letajici Rabin, Yiddish, Klezmer and Gypsy music.

Tags: Andalusian Festival, Best places to visit Essaouira, Essaouira, Moroccan Artists, Moroccan Music, Music Festivals, Things to do in Essaouira, Tours to Morocco, UNESCO Heritage Sites
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19th Annual Gnaoua Music Festival May 12th – 15th, 2016

Friday, April 22nd, 2016

Gnaoua Festival 19th Annual Program

Morocco announces the 19th Gnaoua Festival which will take place in the Coastal town of Essaouira from May 12th – 15th, 2016. This annual festival will feature artists from around the world along with Gnaoua Maalem greats. The Gnaoua Festival is sponsored by Maroc Telecom, Sidi Ali, Bankque Populaire, Oulmes and several other Moroccan companies. The Gnaoua Festival is the voice of a tradition, memory and music. Nineteen years ago, a team of local Souri’s started an event, 100% Moroccan which enabled the Gnaoua Maalems to usher in a new chapter of their life.

Maalem Mahmoud Guinea

Once called, Mogador and the Port of Timbuktu, Essaouira continues to host this annual fetival that has received international acclaim. The unique combination of International stars, Jazz greats and traditional Gnaouas makes it one of a kind. Tributes to this years annual festival will be made to Maalem Mahmoud Guinea and the great Doudou Ndiaye Rose, magician of the Senegalese drum. Mahmoud Guinia was a Moroccan Gnawa musician, singer and guembri player, who was traditionally regarded as a Maâllem, i.e. master.

Doudou Ndiaye Rose

Doudou Ndiaye Rose was a Senegalese drummer, composer and band leader, and was the recognized modern master of Senegal’s traditional drum, the sabar. He recorded for both domestic and foreign labels, and collaborated with numerous western musicians.

There will be a combination of residences, early evening and late night Concerts along with conference style meet ups, all Gnaoua and Souri style.

Below is an up close view at the 19th Annual Gnaoua Festival’s line up and artist program.

Artist Line Up – Essaouira 19th Gnaoua Festival

From the USA:
Randy Weston: Africa
Jamaaladeen Tacuma: Groove
Christian Scott: Hewho youth to jazz
Jeff Ballard Trio
Blitz The Ambassador
Hassan Hakmoun: International Gnaoui

From EUROPE:
Las Migas: Flamenco witha female fusion tone
Jaba & Friends: Roots & reggae

From AFRICA:
Hoba Hoba Spirit: The Moroccan music phenomenon event!
Mohamed Derham
N3rdistan: Rock, rap and Arabic poetry!
Songhoy Blues:the quiet force of Timbuktu
DoudouN’diaye Rose family:Tribute to mathematician of the Drum!
Mehdi Nassouli: The Hajhouj conquering the world
RachidaTalal,The pearl of the South
Oudaden, rebirth of Amazigh music
3ADA Swiria
Issaoua of Fez
Hmadcha

Festival Stars from MOROCCO
Festival stars: Maalemsfrom all over Morocco
(Casablanca, Marrakech, Essaouira, Meknes, Rabat, Ksar El Kebir)
MAALEM HAMID EL KASRI: The Santana of the Gnaouis
MAALEM ABDELLAH AKHARRAZ: Worthy successor of the Guinea heritage
MAALEM ABDESSLAM ALIKANE: Themaalem of maalems
MAALEM HASSAN BOUSSOU: The prodigal son
MAALEM OMAR HAYAT: For love of Reggae
MAALEM ABDELKEBIR MERCHANE, The Gnaoui with silver hands
MAALEM MOHAMED KOUYOU, The most American of maalems!
MAALEM MAHJOUB KHELMOUS, The magician of the guembri
MAALEM MOKHTAR GUINEA:Tagnaouite running in his blood
MAALEM SAID OUGHESSAL:A Hispanic breeze blowing on Gnaoua
MAALEM ABDENBI EL GUEDARI: An electro Gnaoui
MAALEM MUSTAPHA BAQBOU:The hippy Maalem
MAALEM SEDDIK BOUNHAR:The passionate Gnaoui who has travelled the world
MAALEM AHMED BAQBOU: The gnaoui prince of the ochre-colored city
MAALEM Said BOULHIMAS: Maalemin spite of himself
MAALEM ALLAL SOUDANI: Ancestral Gnaoui
MAALEM SAID BOURKI: Faithful to tradition
MAALEM ABDELKADER AMLIL:The Gnaouibluesman
MAALEM ABDENBI EL MEKNASSI:“ ElMeknassi”
MAALEM RACHID EL HAMZAOUI:Gnaoui Ghiwani

The Official Festival Program – Essaouira 19th Gnaoua Festival

May 12th, 2016
Place: Place Moulay Hassan
Time: 8:30pm – Opening Concert
Artist Line Up: Doudou N’Diaye Rose Percussions Orchestra and Enfants Guinea and Rachida Talal

Time: 9:35pm – Concert
Place: Place Moulay Hassan
Artist Line Up: Jeff Ballard Trio

Time: 10:45pm – Concert Fusion
Place: Place Moulay Hassan
Artist Line Up: Jeff Ballard Trio and Maalem Mohamed Kouyou

May 13th, 2016
Place: Zaouia Disna Bilal
Artist Line Up: Maalem Allal et Najib Soudani and Maalem Said Boulhimas and Maalem Said El Bourki

Time: 11:00pm
Place: Dar Loubane
Artist Line Up: Anciens Gnaoua

Time: 12:00am
Place: Dar Loubane
Artist Line Up: Maalem Seddik Bounhar

Time: 12:05am – Residence
Place: Dar Loubane
Artist Line Up: Songhoy Blues and Maalem Abdeslam Alikane

May 14th, 2016
Time: 8:00pm
Place: Place Moulay Hassan
Artist: Maalem Abdellah Akharaz

Time: 8:05pm
Place: Place Moulay Hassan
Artist: Movie Projection – Maalem Mahmoud Guinea

Time: 9:15pm
Place: Place Moulay Hassan
Artist: La Releve Gnaoua and Musiciens de Doudou N’Diaye Rose

Time: 10:40pm
Place: Place Moulay Hassan
Artist: Christian Scott

Time: 12:00pm
Place: Place Moulay Hassan
Artist: Maalem Hamid El Kasri

Time: 11:00pm
Place: Dar Loubane
Arist: Maalem Abdenbi El Meknassi

Time: 12:00pm
Place: Dar Loubane
Artist: Maalem Rachid El Hamzaoui

Time: 8:30pm
Place: Scene de la Plage
Arist: Khalid Amrhoche, Khalid Lzoubaz, La Releve Gnaoua, Mohamed Bomzor

Time: 9:35pm
Place: Scene de la Plage
Artist: Songhoy Blues

Time: 11:30pm
Place: Scene de la Plage
Arist: N3Rdistan

Time: 11:50pm
Place: Scene de la Plage
Artist: Maalem Mustapha Baqbou

Time: 11:00pm
Place: Borj Bab Marrakech
Artist: Maalem Abdenbi El Guedari

Time: 11:00pm
Place: Zaouia Issaoua
Place: Tarifa de Safi

Time: 12:00am
Place: Zaouia Issaoua
Artist: Maalem Mahjoub Khalmouss

May 15th, 2016
Time: 5:00pm
Place: Place Moulay Hassan
Artist: Oudaden

Time: 6:00pm
Place: Place Moulay Hassan
Artist: Maalem Mustapah Baqubou, Mohamed Derham, Nabil Khalidi, Omar Sayed

For more information about Essaouira or the Gnaoua Festival

Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or + 1 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Tags: Essaouira Gnaoua Festival, Gnaoua, Moroccan Music, Morocco Festivals, Morocco news, Music Tours, Things to do Essaouira, Tours to Morocco
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Essaouira’s 12th Annual Andalusian Atlantic Music Festival 2015

Friday, October 23rd, 2015

12th Annual Essaouira Andalusian Festival

Each year Essaouira hosts the Andalusian Atlantic Music Festival (The Festival des Andalousies Atlantique) which pays homage to great musicians and the Andalusian legacy of hispano-Moroccan traditions in the Magreb. Celebrating the friendship and shared history between Spain and Morocco the 12th Annual Andalusian Festival of Essaouira will take place from October 29th – 31st, 2015.

Founded in 1992 by Mr. Andre Azoulay, a Senior adviser to King Mohammed VI of Morocco, the Andalusian Atlantic Music Festival celebrates the diverse heritage of Moroccans and the town of Essaouira’s historical co existence of Jews, Berbers, Spaniards, Muslims and Christians who contributed in weaving together a multicultural and rich artistic coastal town.

The 12th Andalusian Atlantic Music Festival features concerts along with round table discussions and debates led by academics and professionals in the artistic field as to contribute the importance of cultural diversity.

Compania de Danza Flamenco, 12th Annual Essaouira Andalusian Festival

The schedule for Essaouira 12th Andalusian Atlantic Music Festival from October 29th – 31st, 2015 is featured here:

Thursday, October 29, 2015
Salle Omnisport
21h: Compania de Danza Flamenca, a spectacle of Flamenco Dance and Music
22h: Joseph and Daniel Afriat, Jacob “Coco ” Tordjman, Abdelhak El Kaabe Is and Houssam Guinea, a concert of the Intimate connection between Jews and Muslims

Friday, October 30, 2015
Dar Souiri
10h: Projection of the court-feature film “Ya lhmama” (the dove) a collaboration with the pianist Amit Hai Cohen
10h30 : Forum: “An Essaouira Culture Banquet of sharing ”
15 h30 : Concert with Moroccan singer, Benjamin Bouzaglo
16h30 : The Orchestra of Rachid Ouchehad and the brothers Abdellaoui, a concert of Chgouri after midnight featuring Spiritual Music

Hall Omnisport
21h: Malhoun Music Conservatory and Andalusian Musical interpretations by Nabyla Maan Zaineb Afailal and Amine Debbi and musicians
21h50 : Concert with the Singer, Sanaa Marahati. It will resume the works of popular Salim Halali with the Orchestra Shabab Alwatan Organization Al Andalous

Benjamin Bouzaglo, 12th Annual Essaouira Andalusian Festival

Saturday, October 31, 2015
Hotel Mgallery the Medina
10h Projection of the film “Aida” of Driss Mrini on the relationship Judeo-Muslim connections in Morocco.

Dar Souiri
16h: Innovative Concert for new arrangements and the traditional repertoire of Arabo-andalusian music
17h: Concert with the female ensemble Tangerois Arij after midnight: a concert of Spiritual Music

Hall Omnisport
21h: Festival finale with the Orchestra Shabab Al Watan Organization Al Andalous, and the voice of Benjamin Bouzaglo, brothers Afriat and Jacob Tordjman. They will be joined by Sanaa Marahati and Zainab Afailal for the final concert

For more information about the 12th Andalusian Atlantic Music Festival or Essaouira Private Tours

Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or + 1 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Tags: Andalusian Music Festival, Essaouira Day Tours, Moroccan Music, Music Tours, Things to do in Essaouira, Tours to Morocco
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Hindi Zahra Rocks the Essaouira Gnaoua Festival

Sunday, May 17th, 2015

Hindi Zahra, Gnaoua Festival 2015, By Lynn Sheppard

The 18^th Annual Gnaoua Music Festival took place in Essaouira, on Morocco’s Atlantic Coast from May 14^th -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.

Born in Morocco in 1979, Hindi Zahra (her stage name is an inversion of her real name) released her first album, Handmade, in 2010 to critical acclaim, winning various awards in France, where she has been based since 1993. Hindi Zahra sings principally in the unusual combination of the Berber language of Morocco and in English. In contrast to her Moroccan linguistic heritage, her musical heritage is an international mélange of folk, rock, jazz, soul and blues, as well as African, Spanish and Latin influences. The timbre of her voice and the fluidity of her movement reveal her North African roots.

Hindi Zahra, 18th Annual Gnaoua Festival, by Lynn Sheppard

In Essaouira, the audience was treated to an early release of tracks from Hindi’s new album, Homeland, released in April 2015, as well as some popular favourites from her back catalogue. She strutted on stage, channelling a rock goddess persona, to open with To The Forces, a song, which celebrates the mountain Berbers of Morocco, strong and proud, living at one with nature, despite conditions of extreme poverty. The song is the opening track from Homeland, an album that was largely written in Marrakech, at the end of the promotional tour for Handmade. At this time, Hindi says, she was exhausted after 400 gigs in 2.5 years. She shut herself in a traditional riad (townhouse) with only an internet connection and her own creativity. The result is Homeland, an album conceived in and inspired by Morocco.

After a night of powerful funk, fusion, jazz and Gnaoua music from the likes of Gnaoua rock star, Maalem Omar Hayat and Nigerian Afro Beat drummer, Tony Allen, Hindi Zahra had a challenge ahead of her to maintain the energy of the night’s concerts and capture the attention of the Essaouira audience. She not only held her own, she rocked the main stage. Her lilting voice recalls Joni Mitchell or Norah Jones, but these comparisons belie her rock star presence, which is far larger than her petite frame would suggest. The locals were enthused by her Berber lyrics and she was clearly excited to be finally playing at Essaouira with such a wealth of new material.

The appeal of Hindi Zahra is in the way she embodies both fragility and strength and in the sheer diversity of her songs, which she writes herself. Her voice and her energy transform themselves effortlessly from the Latin rhythms of her big hit from her first album, Beautiful Tango, through the jazzy tones of Imik Si Mik from the same album and sung mainly in Berber, to Stand Up (from Homeland), which in Essaouira she performed to a ska/reggae arrangement with Mehdi Nassouli of Agadir. In Any Story, from the new album, Hindi Zahra’s voice haunts with a mystery that suggests an artist more experienced and accomplished than her years.

Hindi Zahra’s albums are available to download on I-tunes and on her website directly.

A Video for Hindi Zahra’s new album, “Any Story” shot in Theatre Royal Marrakech and Legzira Beach, Morocco.

Written by Lynn Sheppard

Lynn Sheppard has lived in Essaouira, on Morocco’s Atlantic Coast for more than 2 years, supporting local non-profits, writing and becoming an expert on all things Swiri (ie. Essaouiran). She blogs at Maroc-phile.com and for other travel industry clients.

For more information about the Essaouira Gnaoua Festival

Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Tags: Berber Songs, Essaouira, Essaouira Tour, Gnaoua Music Festival, Hindi Zahra, Legizra Beach, Moroccan Music, Theatre Royal Marrakech, Tours to Morocco, Travel Exploration, World Music
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The Moroccan Music Scene, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Wednesday, March 25th, 2015

Gnaoua Festival, Essaouira
Place du marché aux Grains

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.

Traditional Berber folk village music called Ahwash, is very much alive and is on display in July each year at the National Festival of Popular Arts at the Badii Palace in Marrakech. The music performed by professional musicians called Raiss includes comedy and dances in their performances.

Ouarzazate Festival Hadous Musicians

Two famous traditional musical bands are Bachir Attar’s Master Musicians of Jajouka who originally met with Brian Jones and the Rolling Stones in 1969 and recorded with them. Their music celebrates the pagan rites centered on the figure of Boujeloud who has been likened to Pan. They perform regular concerts in Morocco and abroad including the United States and Germany playing with international musicians. They recently featured in Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown “ program on CNN. The other traditional band is the Daqqa of Marrakech who perform a ritual dance for the religious festival of Ashura.

Chaabi is a popular music descended from Moroccan folk music. Originally performed in markets, it is now performed during celebrations or meetings. Chaabi songs end with a swift rhythmic section and syncopated clapping. Modern instruments like electric guitars and buzuks are also used as well as lutes and a drum.

Andalusian classical music called Al Ala was brought to Morocco following the Reconquista in Spain when Muslims and Jews were forced to leave. It is an urban form of music which is highly popular and performed with large orchestras frequently on TV and radio. Jewish musicians had a profound influence on Al Ala.

Gnawa was brought to Morocco by Sub-Saharan Africans and later became part of the Moroccan tradition. Much of the modern fusion draws on Gnawa and the annual Essaouira Gnawa Festival is now broadening its musical performances to include a more contemporary repertoire.

Classical Malhum which translates as “gift” or “inspiration” is Arabic in origin and is derived from Sufi inspired Arabic Andalusian poetry.

Sufi Brotherhoods (tarikas) are widespread in Morocco, and music is an integral part of their spiritual tradition. The purpose is to induce a trance state which inspires mystical ecstasy. Leading Sufi Brotherhoods include the Derkoua, Hamadasha, Aissoua and the Jilala.

Modern music includes Rai which is associated with Algeria in the international music scene, but Morocco has produced its own stars lincluding Cheb Mimoun and Hanino. Other genre include Hiphop, Electronica and Fusion, which draws on Gnawa, Jazz and heavy metal. Casablanca is a major center for contemporary Moroccan music.

Pirating remains a concern for Moroccan musicians as it is difficult to establish copyright for music performances and CD’s, although Morocco has an intellectual property rights law. In Marrakech an English music producer Nick Wilde set up Marrakchi Records a record label, music publishing and artist management company to support young Moroccan musicians. Marrakchi Records provides a management service for Moroccan musicians and promotes them thus helping to establish them in the fast moving contemporary Moroccan music scene. It covers all genres from Rock, Hiphop, Electronic, gnawa , blues and African music. Artists who have successfully produced albums with Marrakchi Records include Caravane, Blue Medina, DJ Haze, Mwanssa, Chaabi and Nisrine.

The Moroccan Music scene is vast and growing along with it’s new pop up festivals and summer venues.

For more information about the Moroccan Music Scene or Festivals in Morocco

For more information about the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Tags: Fes Festival, Gnawa Festival, Mazawine Festival, Moroccan Festivals, Moroccan Music, Morocco Tours, Sufi Festival, Travel Exploration
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The Moroccan Music Scene, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Monday, September 16th, 2013

Traditional Musicians Gnaoua

On Marrakech’s Jemma 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. Young musicians are encouraged to perform and Morocco which has successfully fused elements of its ancient Berber musical traditions with modern music such as Chaabi, Hiphop and Rai and Rap.

This has not been without controversy with orthodox Islamic opinion and 14 young members of a heavy metal band were arrested for making “satanic music”, though they were eventually released. Rap stars who make sensitive political comments are sometimes imprisoned. Members of the Islamic led PJD government have also criticized music festivals for corrupting Moroccan youth but generally Morocco’s spirit of compromise wins through despite the tensions affecting the region. Indeed you can see and hear moveable cassette vendors with their barrows playing religious music with other wares for sale on the main Avenue Mohammed V in Marrakech’s ville nouvelle, Gueliz.

Master Musicians of Jajouka

Chabbi Musicians

Classical Malhun music which translates as “gift” or “inspiration” is Arabic in origin and is derived from Sufi inspired Arabic Andalusian poetry.

By Colin Kilkelly

For More Information about a Marrakech Tour and the Marrakech Music Scene

Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel . We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or + 1 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Tags: Andalusian music, Chaabi, Gnawa, Malhun, Master Musicians of Jajouka, Mazawine, Moroccan Music, Morocco Tours, Rai, Rap, Sufi Brotherhoods, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco
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Marrakech Travel Agency, An Evening At The Chez Ali Fantasia Show In The Marrakech Palmary, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Sunday, October 25th, 2009

Marrakech Travel Agency – An Evening At The Chez Ali Fantasia Show in the Marrakech Palmary, Your Morocco Travel Guide.

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.

Chez-Allez-Dinner-Show-Marrakech-Palmary-Man-With-Hat-On-Arabian-Horse

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 Allez guarantees an Absolute Morocco experience.

Chez-Allez-Fantasia-Dinner-Show-Marrakech

The Chez Ali Fantasia show at Al Kasbah takes place on two sprawling acres in the heart of the Marrakech Palmary. The Marrakech Palmary is an enchanting spot where Moroccan palms are set alongside old and new villas and traditional Moroccan Riads. The vast gate of Al Kasbah’s Chez Ali Fantasia Show, The “Borj”, overlooks the Agora, a courtyard where the shows are performed. From Al Kasbah’s Berber setting, you can admire the palm grove, alongside the Atlas snow-capped mountains that embrace Al-Kasbah to provide a magical view.

Fantasia-Meknes

The Chez Ali Fantasia dinner show boasts a restaurant and dining experience that has been designed in a modular fashion and is equipped with individual fireplaces that let guests enjoy dinner in a warm and intimate atmosphere in the cooler seasons.

The Chez Ali Fantasia Show begins with Arab stallions that rush in a simulated charge at the end of which their expert riders shoot up in the air (“Baroud”) with their “Moukahla” rifles while they bring their horses to a spectacular quick stop. See and hear the bee dance from El Kelaa M’gouna, a village located in the Valley of Roses and Ahmed E Moussa warlike acrobats to the wistful chants of Haouz, Ahouaches, and Gnaouas and also the incredible high pitched singing style of the women from Imintanout.

Chez-Allez-Dinner-Show-Marrakech-Palmary-Moroccan-Singers

The Chez Ali fantasia is a warrior ceremony opposing various groups of horse riders, Each group quivers under light, and the riders point their long rifles to the sky, shout out simultaneously and leave behind them a cloud of dust, before spouting their “black baroud of honor.”

During dinner, made up chiefly of Moroccan harira, méchoui and couscous, you will have the opportunity to appreciate the Berber folkshow, the performanceof jugglers, the flying carpet, the belly dance and, last but not least, the fantasia show. This is a spectacular evening and event worth every moment for Moroccan Travelers.

Chez-Allez-Dinner-Show-Marrakech-Palmary-Man-on-Horse

For more information about the Marrakech Travel Agency, Chez Ali Dinner Show & Fantasia

For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visit Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert, Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate.

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Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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Posted in Chez Allez, Chez Allez Fantasia Marrakech Palmary, Chez Allez Fantasia Show Marrakech, Fantasia Marrakech, Gnaoua Chez Allez, Marrakech Absolute Morocco, Marrakech Al Kasbah Chez Allez, Marrakech Palmary, Marrakech Tour, Marrakech Travel Agency, Moroccan food, Moroccan Music, Morocco Holidays, Morocco Travel, Morocco Travel Agency, Morocco Vacations, Tours to Morocco, Valley of Roses Singers Chez Allez | Comments Off on Marrakech Travel Agency, An Evening At The Chez Ali Fantasia Show In The Marrakech Palmary, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Travel to a Moroccan Music Festival – The Gnaoua Festival

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

gnaoua-festival-200912 For the past ten years one weekend every June the Moroccan city of Essaouira has come alive with the music of the world. From traditional Moroccan Gnaoua to jazz and blues the Gnaoua Festival and Musics of the World Essaouira offers music to suit any taste and is a must-see for music lovers worldwide.

The Gnaoua

The Gnawa are descendants of African slaves who came together to establish brotherhoods throughout Morocco. Despite being Muslim, the Gnawa blend African and Arabo-Berber customs to create their unique music-based rituals. These rituals are based on djinn – or spirits- that come straight from the African cult of possession. Their most important ceremony is Lila during which the maalem – or musicians – call upon the saints and supernatural entities to take possession of their followers. The followers and listeners of the music then fall into trances, the ceremony itself is said to be therapeutic.

The Festival

Beginning as a place for the Gnaoua to emphasize and appreciate its musical diversity and heritage The Gnaoua Festival invites jazz, blues, electric fusion, and Moroccan contemporary artists from around the world to perform at one giant festival. It is now celebrating its 11^th Edition with over 500,000 festival goers. The city of Essaouira comes alive with the hums, beats, and dancing of thousands of music lovers uniting under one sky.

The 11th Edition

The festival itself is comprised of 10 different stages, in different parts of the city, each one representing different artists and music from around the world.

Bab Doukkala

This year, in celebration of 10 successful years of the Gnoaua Music Festival, the Gnoaua musicians will be honored with a new stage. This stage, dedicated to them at Bab Doukkala, will allow their most dedicated followers and ardent listeners to experience a 100% Gnoaua concert. Gnoaua stars such as Hamid El Kasri and Abdelkebir Merchane will be performing the traditional Lila ritual every evening at midnight.

Bab Sebaa

On the Bab Sebaa stage jazz and world musicians will be playing, offering audiences a taste of music from around the world. From the Korean traditional percussion group Salmunori to the English bluesman Justin Adams, this stage is sure to delight and engage the crowd with its wide variety of sights and sounds.

gnaoua-world-music-festival-20092

Moulay Hassan

The Moulay Hassan stage, which is located at the beginning of the medina near the port of Essaouira, can support 30,000 people and is the place to experience the unique fussion of Gnoaua and world music. Combining traditional Gnoaua instruments such as the guembri – a 3 stringed percussion lute – and qraqeb – large metal castenets – with percussion, trumpets, and saxophones from around the world. Jazz artists such as Wayne Shorter and Eric Legnini are also performing and share the stage with the reggae of Kymani Marley. The festival ends with a grand performance by the National Orchestra of Barbes on Sunday night. For those wanting to experience the unique and moving sounds of Gnoaua and world music fussions as well as well-known jazz and reggae the Moulay Hassan stage is the place to be.

Bab Marrakech

Another large stage which can hold 50,000 people is the Bab Marrakech stage, set on 100 meters of the beach this stage offers the perfect place for people to meet and dance to the rhythums of world music.

El Khayma and Marche Aux Grains

These two stages, both smaller in size, offer audiences the chance to experience the music of different folk groups from around the world. At 3:30pm both stages change and the magical Lila music of the Gnaoua musicians begins.

Electro-Fusion

For those looking for more modern-day Electric sound this is the stage for you. This stage creates a fusion between traditional fusions and talented well-known DJ’s . The fun and energy at this stage is guarrenteed to get you up and dancing long into the night.

Dar Souiri and Kebir’s Place

For those looking for a more intimate atmosphere to listen to music Dar Souiri and Kebir’s Place offer acoustic foreign and Moroccan music and traditional Gnoaua music in a small warm setting. As these two venues can only welcome 250 people space is limited so get there early!

Young Talents Stage

The Young Talents stage offers up-and-coming Moroccan artists a chance to showcase their skills. Audiences can come for the chance to see the next big thing in Moroccan music.

So whatever type of music you love, whether it is the ritualistic ceremonies of the Gnaoua, the smooth tunes of jazz, or the catchy beats of the bongo drum, The Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira is the place to be. A place where the music of the world brings the people of the world together.

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Google on call Travel Exploration at (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Tags: Tours to Morocco, Travel Exploration, Essaouira, Gnaoua Festival, Moroccan Music, Morocco Travel, Music Festival
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Travel to a Moroccan Music Festival – The Gnaoua Festival

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