About this event
Join us for this rare opportunity to learn more about the trance-inducing mystical music of Morocco, Gnawa
The Gnawa in Morocco, like African-Americans in the United States, were taken as slaves from sub-Saharan Africa and developed a unique and very spiritual music and culture. Gnawa music is one of the major musical currents in Morocco.
The music is characterized by instrumentation. The large heavy iron castanets known as qraqab (or krakebs, large iron castanets; Ar. قراقب) and a three-string lute known commonly as a Guembri (or Hajhouj) are central to Gnawa music. The rhythms of the Gnawa, like their instrumentations, are distinctive.
The melodic language of the stringed instrument is closely related to their vocal music and to their speech patterns, as is the case in much African music. It is a language that emphasizes on the tonic and fifth, with quavering pitch-play, especially pitch-flattening, around the third, the fifth, and sometimes the seventh. This is the language of the blues.
For the first time in Luxembourg, this immersive masterclass offers you the chance to explore Gnawa music and gives you a deep look into the world of Gnawa music, its centuries-old history and rituals, and hands-on its music and instruments.
Where: Rocklab (The Lab), 5 Av. du Rock’n’Roll, 4361Esch-sur-Alzette
When: 25th of June 2022 | 11h – 14h
Please note that this event implements CovidCheck 2G/2G+
BELONG is hosted by IWHO asbl, and benefits from the support of ESCH 2022, the City of Esch-sur-Alzette, OEUVRE Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, Rocklab, and Bâtiment IV.