Gnawa or Knawa - Great Music Masters in Morocco

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Gnawa or Ganoua is the superb music that came up from Africa.  The musicians use metal castanets with the music (this is to remind them of the slaves chains) the trance like music is played with a Gamberi guitar.  This guitar is self taught there is no music for it and it only has 3 strings.  You could say each individual 'Melem' plays music of his soul.  Each year there is a fantastic Gnawa Festival in Essaouira, really worth going to.

 Not many people know but this music has come from the centre of Nigeria a city called Kano.  It's origins are Hawsa language and Kano is the Hawsa Centre of Nigeria.  Originally the music was called Knawa.

 The Gamberi is a deep guitar and listening to masters is incredible.  No wonder Jimmy Hendrix loved Essaouira.  If you get a chance go to see a full Gnawa performance with the traditional acrobats it is really worth it.

 The 4 Seasons Hotel in Marrakech has a good player but it is more background music than the real thing.  You can ask him where he will be playing on your stay.

 Enjoy this video by the current master in Morocco Hamid El Kasri.

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