The Rich Heritage of Gnawa Music
Gnawa music has deep-rooted origins that trace back to the rituals practiced by enslaved West and Central Africans brought to Morocco. The music is characterized by the distinct sound of the three-stringed gimbri and the metallic, iron qraqibs, which together create a pulsating rhythm that forms the musical backbone of the Lila—a night ceremony dedicated to healing. This captivating event intertwines music, trance, and spirit invocation, showcasing the profound cultural significance of Gnawa traditions. In 2019, UNESCO recognized this unique musical heritage by adding it to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further solidifying its importance on a global scale.
Influential Masters and Modern Adaptations
Among the influential figures in the realm of Gnawa music are esteemed masters such as Mahmoud Ghania, known for his virtuosic gimbri playing, alongside Hamid El Kasri and Abdelkbir Marchane. The genre has also found resonance within the jazz community, with notable collaborations bridging these musical worlds. American pianist Randy Weston, who settled in Morocco in 1968, contributed to this exchange by releasing the album "The Splendid Master Gnawa Musicians of Morocco" in 1994. The connection to Austrian jazz is exemplified through the renowned Viennese keyboardist Joe Zawinul, whose band The Zawinul Syndicate featured Moroccan musician Aziz Sahmaoui. Following Zawinul's passing in 2007, Sahmaoui continued to promote the trance groove of Gnawa music through his project, University of Gnawa. Additionally, Lukas Kranzelbinder, mastermind behind Shake Stew, frequently incorporates the gimbri into his concerts, ensuring that the spirit of Gnawa music continues to thrive in contemporary settings.
As reported by oe1.orf.at.
