Gnawa (or if you like it in French: Gnoua) is several things. First of all it is a brotherhood of religious musicians, but it is also a religious ritual, a spiritual tribe and shaman-like rites. My first meeting with Gnawa music in Marrakesh 1986 was so powerfull that I have never stopped listening to it, researching it and trying to understand it. My main reference as far as reading about it is madame Viviana Paques, who has studied the Gnawas for years and is very convincing. Read her book La religion des Esclaves, editori Moretti&Vitali 1991, if you want a more scientific approach. But to understand Gnawa you must go to Maroc and listen to the music. It has to be experienced, not only with your ears but with eyes, nose and tounge as well, everything is at stake during the Lilas, the religious rituals/concerts/seances. To get the most out of it, visit Marrakesh the week before the Ramadan and attend the many Lilas, that are arranged at this time of year. Be sure to attent the preparations, including the sacrificing of lamb or goat, and be prepared to join a religious ceremony, that will last the whole night, with fantastic music, singing, dancing, eating, people in trance, people in contact with the spirits.

My favourite musician is mellem Mustafa Baqbou (mellem meaning master musician) who is my friend and all time favourite musician. His basslines on the sentir (the bass instrument in gnawa) are incredible, his timing and frasing is of another world and his voice is strong, real and penetrating. I have had the honor of recording with him (Aisha, 1997), I have videofilms of the Lila's, recordings and many live experiences.

And why Gnawa? Gnawa music is trance music, and it caught me in immediately. The main instrument is the bass guitar like sentir (or guimbri) and the patterns played, the frases and the energy in the music is appealing to my musical understanding and preferences. It is music with a purpose, with a function and totally integrated in the rituals.

For a closer look at Gnawa try this webpage

Mustapha Baqbou is on YouTube

Another clip is Gnawa Trance - Red, also featuring Mustapha Baqbou

Click here to see Gnawa Trance - white

Here is an excerpt from Gnawa Trance - white, recorded in Marrakech 2005: