A Night of Tribute at the National Festival of Popular Arts
The closing night of the 55th National Festival of Popular Arts in Marrakech, held last Monday, transcended the boundaries of a mere artistic showcase, marking the culmination of days dedicated to celebrating Moroccan heritage. It transformed into a rare moment of homage where music intertwined with deep emotion, blending the memories of popular art with a deserved recognition of some of its most prominent guardians.
Amidst the radiant lights of the Palais Badi, the rhythmic beats of Marrakech's traditional 'Daqa' and melodies from various regions of the kingdom filled the air. Time seemed to stand still for a brief moment when the organizers invited two distinguished figures from the Moroccan popular art scene to the stage for a special tribute: Mohamed Mendani, a veteran of the 'Ahouach' troupe from Ouarzazate, and Boujemaa El Harari, a notable face of the Marrakech 'Daqa' ensemble.
This particular scene diverged from the rest of the evening's performances. The applause rising from the audience was not merely an appreciation for artists presenting on stage; rather, it served as a heartfelt message of gratitude to an entire generation dedicated to preserving Moroccan folk heritage. These individuals have carried the essence of this legacy from the streets, villages, and palaces to theaters and festivals both within Morocco and beyond.
For nearly six decades, Mohamed Mendani has remained devoted to the 'Ahouach' genre, an ancient collective heritage that represents a significant aspect of Amazigh culture in the southeastern region of the country. Meanwhile, Boujemaa El Harari's name has become synonymous with Marrakech's 'Daqa', one of the city’s most emblematic rhythmic arts, contributing to its unique cultural identity.
As the honorees received their awards from the festival's president, Mohamed Khnidri, and the regional director of the culture sector in Marrakech amid the audience's applause, their visibly emotional expressions reflected the weight of their long years of dedication to cultural heritage. In those fleeting moments, decades of travel, performances, and commitment to the arts flashed before their eyes—a testament to the enduring nature of their crafts that have survived thanks to the efforts of those who believe in their cultural significance. The selection of these two honorees was not arbitrary; rather, it represented the culmination of exceptional journeys in safeguarding Morocco's intangible heritage and embodied one of the festival's core purposes since its inception in 1960: to protect the national artistic memory and honor its symbols.
Thus, amidst the echoes of drums and the sound of applause, the curtain fell on the 55th edition of the festival, leaving behind a memory that will remain etched in the minds of all: an image of pioneers, whose heads have grayed while carrying the torch of heritage, and an audience honoring them in a night of exceptional tribute, underscoring the belief that nations that preserve their memories know how to honor their own.
As reported by ahdath.info.
