The unique Gnawa are a group of musicians that descend from the black slaves brotherhood from Ghana, Guinea and Mali several centuries ago. This group of people eventually stayed in Morocco and were either Arabized or Berberized in different part of the country.
Photo of a Gnawa Musician in Marrakech
The Gnawa in Morocco can be seen in Marrakech, Essaouira and also on a tiny Sahara village called Khamliya on the edge of the Dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. Marrakech has some Gnawa musicians playing music, singing and dancing presenting a very interesting show. These musicians exist in Jemaa el-Fnaa for centuries so it is not a consequence of western tourism coming to Marrakech.
Video of Gnawa in Marrakech:
Originally the Gnawa were taken as slaves to Morocco to serve as guards to the Sultan Moulay Ismail ben Chérif in Meknes and to Moulay Abdellah in Essaouira.
The Gnawa looked up to a Christian slave called Bilal that was fred by the Prophet Muhammed when this one healed his daughter Fatima by singing to her. The story tells he cured the daughter of the Prophet with his voice.
Video of Gnawa in Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech:
These Gnawa blend the notorious African folklore into the cult of Moroccan saints playing drums and singing. Don’t miss out the Gnawa in Marrakech Jemaa el-Fna square. If you make pictures of any filming you should give some money. I advise not more than 10 or 20 Dirhams since they divided it by all members of the group. Then make as many pictures and filming as you wish. Enjoy the music and dancing.
Video of Gnawa singing and dancing with Malem Mustafa Bakbou in Marrakech:
Small segment of an all night Gnawa Lila in Marrekech. Malem Mustafa Bakbou on Gimbri. Filmed by Michael Wolfe in the Winter of 1990.
There is a anual Gnawa Music festival in Essaouira: Gnawa Festival Essaouira
