The Gnaoua & World Music Festival of Essaouira is, since its creation in 1998, one of the great musical festivals of the Maghreb. Four days during which the Moroccan Gnawa maâlems meet international musicians in fusion: American jazz, Malian blues, Indian qawwâlî, hip-hop, soul.

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The event was founded by Neila Tazi and André Azoulay, with the idea of bringing the Gnawa out of their ritual enclave and offering them the deserved stage recognition. Twenty years later, UNESCO inscribed the Gnawa (in 2019) on the intangible heritage of humanity.

I. The derdba and the lila

At the heart of the Gnawa practice is the lila, a nocturnal ceremony of trance and spiritual healing. The festival juxtaposes this sacred dimension — preserved in private zaouias — with its mass-public stage version.

II. The instruments

Three fundamental instruments: the guembri (a three-string lute-drum, camel skin), the qraqeb (metal castanets), and the t'bel (a large drum). A lead maâlem, a chorus, dancers: the musical structure is almost ritual from beginning to end.

III. 500,000 spectators

The festival accumulates, over its four days, more than 500,000 spectators. Three main stages: Bab Marrakech, Bab el Marsa, the beach. A 100% free programme outside, paying indoors.

∗ Sources

1. Gnaoua & World Music Festival — festival-gnaoua.net
2. UNESCO ICH — Gnawa inscription 2019: ich.unesco.org/fr/RL/lart-des-gnawa-01170