Essaouira is one of the primary locations in Morocco where Gnaoua music comes to a focus. The Gnaoua World and Music Festival, unique in Morocco and held annually in Essaouira, is indicative of the cultural significance that Gnaoua music has in Essaouira.
Gnaoua is the music of the former slaves appropriated from Niger and surrounding countries by Moulay Ismael. Having no written history, the songs and the music constitutes their living history. Whenever their songs are played, parts of their history and philosophies are retold.
I attended a night of Gnaoua music in nearby Diabat several nights ago. Below are some photographs from that night.
