Gnawa music: intangible heritage recognized by UNESCO
Artists
Lila conducted by maalem Simone Kherbouch with Gnawa Vibrations.
Gnawa Vibrations:
Simone Mohamed Kherbouch Ait Ali, maalem
Anas Bentaleb, koyo
Mohamed Boukrab, koyo
Abdellah Ettalleby, koyo
Abdelali Hajioui, koyo
Youssef Kamar, koyo
Abdesslam Kourachia, koyo
Abdallah Mouakit, koyo
Smail Ouazza, koyo
Programme
The Lila —in Arabic, “night”— refers to the ritual ceremonies of the Gnawa communities, which last until dawn and combine music, dance, invocations, and spiritual healing practices through the attainment of trance states (jedba).
This ritual is structured in several phases, with a central section dedicated to the singing of the mluk: spiritual entities, each associated with a different color, representing forces of nature and aspects of the spiritual dimension. Each melk is invoked during the Lila through specific songs, rhythms, and dances that shape the ritual.
Originally descendants of sub-Saharan slaves, the Gnawa live mainly in Morocco, although there are also communities throughout the Maghreb and in the diaspora, in cities such as Paris, Barcelona, or Brussels. Since 2019, Gnawa music has been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Music is an essential part of the Lila and contributes to fulfilling its purpose. Countless songs are accompanied by the guembri, played by the maalem or master of the ceremony; by the tbels, drums that open the ritual; and by the càrcabas, metallic castanets with a sharp and penetrating sound that maintain a persistent and incisive rhythm.
Led by maalem Saimen Kherbouch, the group Gnawa Vibrations, made up of Gnawa musicians from the diaspora based in Barcelona, offers us a Lila with the traditional repertoire.
Free access throughout the activity with prior reservation recommended, available from 10/28. Three entry shifts are planned. Prior reservation is recommended for the shifts you wish to attend. Capacity is limited.
First entry shift: 7:30 p.m.
Second entry shift: 9:30 p.m.
Third entry shift: 11:30 p.m.
Co-organized with the Office of Religious Affairs
In collaboration with the SIBE (Sociedad de Etnomusicología)