Most people have never heard of Gnawa. Originally you weren't supposed to. For centuries, the music was only played in secret ceremonies by enslaved Black Africans brought to Morocco. Gnawa—an ...

Gnaoua music is no longer the preserve of veteran maalems. A new generation of Moroccans is embracing the centuries-old tradition, helping ensure its survival while giving it renewed relevance. The ...

The Gnaoua World Music Festival in Morocco's Essaouira gathers thousands each year to celebrate the centuries-old spiritual music, blending African rhythms with spiritual chants and poetry. The Barron ...