Small-Group Gnawa Music Tour by Urban Adventures

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Duration: 3h
Location: Essaouira, Morocco | Essaouira, Morocco


Category: Tours & Sightseeing

Highlights:
Spiritual rhythms of the ancient Gnawa music & dance
Traditional dance & presentation of authentic clothes
Technique & art of the guembri instrument
Revered Gnawa maalem playing in their private quarters
Local music hotspot playing modern-day Gnawa fusion

Inclusions:
Guided Gnawa music tour
Glass of wine
Live tour commentary provided in English

Description:

Essaouira's spiritual heart beats to the sound of Gnawa music—succumb to the infectious tempo during your evening out in the city. Meet and listen to an esteemed local maalem—a master player—and learn more about the traditions of the popular Afro-Moroccan culture.

Weave through the city medina to a zaouia—a building sacred to Gnawa people—to get an understanding of the roots of the movement. Next, continue to the private home of a Gnawa dancer, sip refreshing tea, and watch a live performance before admiring a display of traditional garments.

At the basis of all Gnawa music is the sound of the guembri—a lute-like instrument. Take a rare opportunity and enter the private residence of a maalem, a distinguished master of the musical style, to see how the instrument is made and played. Seize the chance to chat with the maalem; they enjoy levels of celebrity status in Morocco and have much to offer from their knowledge and experience.

Complete your introduction to Gnawa music at a local club where musicians skillfully fuse traditional Gnawa sounds with jazz, pop, and Latin influences. While you sip a glass of wine, feel the addictive tempo take hold. You may end up dancing the night away.