World Music Series in the Garden: Mystical and Ecstatic Moroccan Music Concert

The Music of Morocco has been influenced by many cultures and reflects the location geographically of the country.

Morocco’s location has given a unique combination of musical styles, with aspects of Spanish, Sub Saharan, Middle Eastern and of course indigenous Amazigh culture all represented.

Historical phases of Morocco’s history have also played a part in the musical landscape.
During the pre-Islamic period, (3000 BC to 682 AD), Amazigh, the oldest musical tradition in Morocco, was the major musical influence and has remained the major musical up to the present day.
Followed by the pre-colonial period, (682 to 1912), during which we see the arrival of several musical styles: Andalucian and Sephardic music arrive upon the expulsion of Muslims and Jews from Spain in 1492
Gnawa music arrives with the Sub Saharan slaves from the 11th century onwards.
Malhun is developed as a form of poetry sung in the local dialect of Darija.
Sufi brotherhoods also developed music during this era.

The colonial period, (1912 to 1956) The European influences brought along new styles, Eastern Arabic creations such a Ra’i and Chaabi emerge. There is also a resurgence seen in the popularity of Amazigh, Andalucian and Malhun traditional music, which were viewed as Nationalist and not influenced by colonial forces.
The post-colonial period, (1956 onwards) has brought many collaborative projects mixing traditional music with western styles. Simultaneously as an interest in preserving the traditions and cultures of Morocco has grown traditional genres have thrived.