Discover Moroccan Folk Music

Discover Moroccan Folk Music is a website dedicated to providing information and resources on Moroccan folk music.

Discovering Moroccan Folk Music – What is it and where does it come from?

Moroccan folk music is the music of the people of Morocco. It is a mix of Arab, Berber, Andalusian, and sub-Saharan African music. Moroccan folk music has been influenced by the many cultures that have settled in Morocco, as well as by the country’s natural environment.

The hallmark of Moroccan folk music is its use of the guembri, a three-stringed lute. Other instruments used in Moroccan folk music include the hanUPIPIdrum, the rebab (a type of fiddle), and the ghaita (a type of oboe).

Moroccan folk music is often based on oral traditions and has been passed down from generation to generation. It is used for both personal and public occasions, such as weddings, circumcisions, and funerals.

One of the most popular Moroccan folk songs is “Moulay Ibrahim.” This song is about a saint who was born in Morocco and whose tomb is located in Mecca. “Moulay Ibrahim” is often sung at weddings and other joyful occasions.

The Different Types of Moroccan Folk Music

Moroccan folk music is a dynamic and diverse genre that has been influenced by a number of different cultures over the years. Moroccan folk music can be divided into four distinct categories: rural folk music, urban folk music, religious folk music, and art music. Each category has its own unique sound and style, and all four are integral to the Moroccan musical tradition.

Rural folk music is perhaps the most traditional and authentic form of Moroccan folk music. It is typically based around oral storytelling traditions, and often features instruments such as the oud (a type of lute), rabab (a bowed string instrument), and tambourine. Rural folk songs often deal with topics such as love, loss, and nature, and are usually quite emotive in tone.

Urban folk music, on the other hand, tends to be more lively and upbeat. It often incorporates elements of pop, rock, and hip-hop, and is generally more contemporary in sound than rural folk music. That said, urban folk songs still usually deal with themes that are important to Moroccan culture, such as family, friendship, and social issues.

Religious folk music is unsurprisingly focused on religious themes and spiritual connections. This type of music is often very beautiful and moving, with a strong emphasis on vocal harmonies. Instruments commonly used in religious folk songs include the ney (an end-blown flute), qanun (a type of zither), and darbuka (a type of drum).

Art music is a relatively new genre in Morocco, only really coming into existence in the 20th century. Art songs are typically more experimental in nature than other forms of Moroccan Folk Music, incorporating elements from Western classical music as well as traditional Moroccan sounds. Art songs are commonly performed by solo singers or small groups of musicians, often accompanied by piano or strings.

The Instruments Used in Moroccan Folk Music

Moroccan folk music is a part of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Folk music is typically passed down from generation to generation, and often has regional variations. The instruments used in Moroccan folk music are varied and each has its own unique history and purpose.

The ghaita is a type of oboe that is commonly used in Moroccan folk music. It is made from reeds that grow near water sources, and has a distinctive, haunting sound. The ghaita is often used to signal the beginning of a song or dance, and can also be used to provide accompaniment.

The rebab is a stringed instrument that dates back to the 8th century. It was originally used in Persian court music, but eventually made its way to Morocco. The rebab typically has two or three strings, and is played with a bow. It has a soft, mellow sound that can be both poignant and cheerful.

The tarija is a percussion instrument that consists of two small drums that are connected by a leather strap. The tarija is held under one arm and played with the other hand. It is used to provide rhythmical accompaniment for folk songs and dances.

The mizmar is another percussion instrument that consists of a large conical flute with finger holes. It produces a sharp, piercing sound that can be heard over long distances. The mizmar was traditionally used as a way for shepherds to communicate with each other across vast expanses of open land.

Moroccan folk music also makes use of traditional Arabic instruments such as the oud (a type of lute) and the qanun (a type of zither). These instruments add a distinctive Arabic flavor to the music.

The History of Moroccan Folk Music

Moroccan folk music has a rich history dating back to the 13th century. The music has its origins in the ancient Arab and Berber cultures, and even today, Moroccan folk music retains many of these Arabic and Berber influences.

In the 13th century, Moroccan folk music began to take on a more Moorish sound, as Andalusian music began to be imported into Morocco. This Moorish influence can still be heard in Moroccan folk music today.

In the 18th century, Moroccan folk music began to incorporate European musical elements, as Morocco came under the influence of French and Spanish colonizers. These European influences can be heard in the use of instruments such as the piano and guitar in Moroccan folk music.

Today, Moroccan folk music is a vibrant and diverse genre that incorporates both traditional and modern elements. The music is enjoyed by both Moroccans and non-Moroccans alike, and is an important part of Morocco’s cultural heritage.

The Influence of Moroccan Folk Music on Other Genres

Moroccan folk music has been influential on other genres, such as Andalusian music, although andalusian music is not strictly considered folk music. The distinctive sound of Moroccan instruments, such as the oud and tamrabet, have been adopted byclassical and jazz composers. In recent years, Moroccan Gnawa music has been gaining popularity in the West, as it has been featured prominently in films and television shows.

The Popularity of Moroccan Folk Music Today

Though Moroccan folk music has been around for centuries, it has only recently begun to gain popularity outside of Morocco. In the past decade or so, Moroccan folk music has been featured in a number of international films and TV shows, exposing it to new audiences.

Some of the most popular Moroccan folk musicians today include Hassan Hakmoun, Aissam Amini, and Hamid El Kasri. These musicians often fuse traditional Moroccan sounds with modern influences, creating a unique and exciting sound that is beloved by fans around the world.

If you’re curious about Moroccan folk music and would like to give it a listen, we recommend checking out the albums “The Rough Guide to the Music of Morocco” and “Rhythms of Morocco.”

The Future of Moroccan Folk Music

The future of Moroccan folk music is shrouded in uncertainty. For centuries, this music has been an integral part of Moroccan culture, passed down from generation to generation. But with the rise of Western pop culture and the globalization of the music industry, Moroccan folk music is at risk of being lost forever.

There are a few factors that threaten the future of Moroccan folk music. Firstly, younger Moroccans are increasingly exposed to Western pop culture and are becoming more interested in it than their own cultural heritage. Secondly, the advent of digital technology has made it easier for people to access Western music, and as a result, Moroccan folk music is being increasingly ignored. Finally, there are very few Moroccan folk musicians left who can keep the tradition alive.

Despite all these threats, there is still hope for the future of Moroccan folk music. There are a number of initiatives being taken to promote and preserve this musical heritage. For example, the Ministry of Culture has set up a Folklore Academy to train young Moroccans in traditional folk music. There are also a number of Folklore Festivals held every year, which provide a platform for folk musicians to showcase their talents. Additionally, a number of radio stations and television channels have started broadcasting traditional Moroccan folk music again.

It is clear that the future of Morocco’s rich musical heritage is under threat. However, with the right initiatives in place, there is still hope that this beautiful genre of music will be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

10 Moroccan Folk Songs You Need to Hear

Morocco is a country located in North Africa with a rich and diverse culture influenced by a number of factors including, historically, its location at the crossroads of the Arab and Berber worlds. The music of Morocco reflects this cultural diversity, with influences from Arabs, Berbers, Africans, Europeans, and even Jews.

Here are 10 Moroccan folk songs that you need to hear:

1. “brahim” by Brahim el Kasri
2. “Lalla Mira” by Gnawa Diffusion
3. “Darga” by Jil Jilala
4. “Mawal Nuba” by Hassan Hakmoun
5. “Nayda!” by Fnaire featuring El Hwa Saida
6. “Ihssane” by Raïna Raï
7. “Tahabort biya” by Fatima Tabaamrant
8. “Zahra” by Dahmane El Harrachi
9. “Lila azemmour (Lila from Azemmour)” by Lemchaheb
10. “Mariage Marocain (Moroccan Wedding)” by raiss m’barek el oujdi

The Best Moroccan Folk Music Albums

There are many different types of Moroccan music, ranging from the traditional music of the Berber people to the modern, cosmopolitan sounds of cities like Casablanca. However, one of the most popular genres is Moroccan folk music, which often features instruments like the oud (a type of lute), violin, and Bendir (a type of drum).

If you’re interested in exploring this genre further, here are some of the best Moroccan folk music albums to check out:

1. “The Rough Guide to the Music of Morocco” by various artists
This compilation album is a great introduction to the various sounds of Moroccan folk music, featuring tracks from both traditional and contemporary artists.

2. “Oud Musical Traditions from Morocco” by Mohamed Ayoub and Said Chraibi
This album focuses on the oud, one of the most popular instruments in Moroccan folk music. It features performances by two well-known oud players, Mohamed Ayoub and Said Chraibi.

3. “The Best of Chaabi” by various artists
Chaabi is a type of Moroccan folk music that is particularly popular in urban areas like Casablanca. This album features some of the best chaabi performers, including Hassan Dikouk and Najat Aatabou.

4. “Folk Songs from Morocco” by Hamid El Kasri
Hamid El Kasri is one of the most well-known performers of Gnawa music, a type of Moroccan folk music with roots in Africa. This album features some of his best-loved songs, including “Lila Ou Lalla” and “Daba Yji Alaoui”.

5 Moroccan Folk Musicians You Should Know

Morocco is a country with a rich musical tradition. From the traditional folk music of the Berber people to the modern pop and rock of today, there is a wide variety of music to be found in Morocco. Here are five Moroccan folk musicians you should know.

1. Hassan Hakmoun: A master of Sufi music, Hassan Hakmoun was born in Fez and began studying music at a young age. He has gone on to perform and collaborate with a wide variety of artists, including Sting and Peter Gabriel.

2. Nawal: Nawal is a singer, songwriter, and activist from Rabat. Her music combines traditional Moroccan sounds with Western pop and rock influences. She is best known for her hits “Nja Mahdaoui” and “Xaarit”.

3. Flory Jagoda: A Sephardic Jewish singer from Tangier, Flory Jagoda is one of the foremost performers of Ladino music. Ladino is a Judeo-Spanish language spoken by Sephardic Jews, and Jagoda’s songs often tell stories of love, loss, and exile.

4. Mahmoud Guinia: A Gnawa musician from Marrakech, Mahmoud Guinia is one of the leading exponents of this traditional Moroccan genre. Gnawa music is strongly influenced by West African rhythms and features distinctive instrumentation, including the lute-like instrument called the guembri.

5. Rajae El Mouhandiz: Rajae El Mouhandiz is a rapper from Casablanca who often tackles social and political issues in his songs. He rose to fame with his debut album K7 Mestour (2017), which includes the hits “Bledi” and “khaliwni”