Gnawa

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Gnawa is my new word. According to the Wikipedia article of that title, "The Gnawa or Gnaoua refers at once to a style of Moroccan music with sub-Saharan Africa origins or influence, an ethnic group and religious order at least in part descended from former slaves from Sub-Saharan Africa or black Africans migrated in caravans with the Trans-Saharan trade, or a combination of both." The music is hypnotic, incorporating call & response and hand-clapping, and may have originated with healing rituals. In Morocco it has fused with other styles. Here is a fantastic video in the Gnawa style. Stay tuned for the solo dance at the end.

hamid lkessri