ekimondo – the Directory of Responsible Destinations and Traveling

The Art of Responsible Traveling :: by Inês Lopes

Written by ines May 28th

Zoom in on the Gnaoua World Music Festival with Salaam’s Nazir Bouchareb

Last week, Salaam’s Nazir Bouchareb brought us to Essaouira, a magical city in Morocco. This week, zoom in on an event the city hosts: Essaouira’s Gnaoua World Music Festival.

Photo credit: Emmanuel Rastoin, Youssef Amchir, Gilles Danger, Official site of the Festival

His destination: Essaouira’s Gnaoua World Music Festival

Gnaoua
“Essaouira and its Gnaoua World Music Festival are inseparable” says Nazir. The festival’s 11th edition will be held from June 26-29, 2008. “Gnaoua (or Gnawa)” refers to ancestors, slaves coming from Western Africa (Mali, Senegal, Sudan, Ghana…). Arriving in Morocco, music became the unifying element for the slave communities and also a way to obtain bread or other foodstuffs. But most of all, music was and is a vehicle to one’s emotions and spirituality.

Festival activities
The festival receives musicians and music lovers from all over the world. They are offered conferences, film screenings, processions, light shows, gatherings and, of course, all sorts of concerts.

The festival in video

Transformed city
Multicoloured outfits and decors enrich the cityscape. “During the festival, the city of Essaouira becomes like a village for musicians”, says Nazir with characteristic passion. “No, but can you imagine? It’s a paradise for musicians; you are surrounded by music and other musicians, it becomes a real place for exchange,” he adds.

On a note of universality
During the 4 days of celebrations, raising awareness is also an objective. Last year, the festival’s 10th anniversary coincided with the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery. Conferences and other activities were organized around the theme “Art and freedom” The event gathered 25 Gnaoua bands, around 250 Moroccan artists and 150 foreign musicians. More than 450 000 festival participants were able to enjoy it. Nazir was able to transmit his passion to me, so hopefully, one day, I’ll be the 450 001st.
Link
Gnaoua World Music Festival – Official site

Created ekistop
Gnaoua World Music Festival
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