|
For all the music lovers out there, Marrakech sends across an open invitation to celebrate the mysterious music of the Gnaouas, the product of a mystic tradition with branches as widespread as Haitian voodoo and Brazilian Candomblé at its annual Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival held in June. Hosted by the picturesque port of Essaouira, painted in blue and white, the venue is the ideal resort that most travelers dream of when they think of North Africa: laid-back and yet vibrant, atmospheric and relaxing. By featuring on the independent travelers list of favorite destinations in Africa, the town was an easy and perfect choice as the venue for the festival devoted to the feats of the Gnaouas, best known for their tasselled hats, which spin wildly as the musicians rock, entranced by their own music. The festival features several artists, including the best musicians of the genre as well as performers from around the world.
Experience the trance like state induced by the mesmerising rhythms of the drums, the guenbri (a form of lute) and the hand-held garagab (metal castanets) played by the performers. This festival gives you, once in a lifetime opportunity to see the Gnaoua brotherhoods, which originated through a cross-pollination of African magic and Islamic rituals and formed a structured unit around a Master, who lead music and dancing until the participants are in a state of trance.
|
