| Duration | 90 min |
| Part of | Gnawa Festival |
Discover the rhythms of Gnawa
Gnawa is much more than music. In this workshop, you will immerse yourself in this rich culture full of music, spirituality and community and learn the rhythms and techniques of playing the qraqeb.
The workshop starts with a brief introduction on the origins of Gnawa culture, the role of music in spiritual ceremonies and the meaning of rhythm and songs. Percussion instruments take the lead role, and during this workshop you will especially get to work with the qraqeb (iron castanets). Learn basic rhythms, hand techniques, timing and in what contexts you apply these rhythms - from night ceremonies (lilacs) to performances. Play rhythms and songs together and conclude the workshop on a festive note with the performance of a traditional Gnawa piece.
Gnawa are the descendants of black enslaved people in Morocco, where they have formed their own Sufi order, the city of Essaouira being the center. Their music is hypnotizing, inciting and is deeply rooted in the history of when this population was held as slaves. It revolves around storytelling about their suffering. Traditionally the music is only played by men, but In Morocco times are changing too. Not only does Asmaa Hamzaoui play the guembri (a kind of bass), her whole group consists of women, which is quite unique.
Korzo Studio