Learn a bit of Arabic and enjoy a traditional Moroccan song...
Andalusian music combines the mesmerizing tonality of Arab music with the flamenco-style strumming of Spanish folk music. The style makes use of complex percussion, stringed instruments, the lute and many other instruments. Andalusian music is sung in Arabic and usually performed by men in traditional clothing during religious ceremonies and festivals.
The Berbers are indigenous to West Africa and make up a significant portion of Morocco’s’ population. They possess their own language and have an oral tradition of passing songs and poetry down from one generation to the next. There are three different Berber regions in Morocco and each possesses its own unique rhythms. Berber music typically involves drums, flutes, clarinets and a rabab, a one-stringed fiddle.
Gnawa combines hypnotic trance rhythms with ceremonial dancing and acrobatics. Brought to Morocco by West Africans, Gnawa evolved from the freed slaves in Marrakesh and Essaouria as a sacred celebration. Gnawa has inspired the development of modern Moroccan music and has fused with similar styles including jazz, reggae and hip-hop.
Rai is a form of folk music that originated in Algeria but become popular in the Moroccan cities of Oujda and Berkane during the early 1990s. The lyrics of Rai traditionally focus on social issues that have affected the native populations of West Africa. The music is a blend of traditional and religious drum patterns and melodies with electric instrumentation. Rai sounds similar to pop music sung in Arabic, but it has deep cultural and religious influences.
Chaabi is considered the pop music of Morocco. It descended from Moroccan folk music and sounds similar to Rai. Since it is typically performed in Darija, Moroccan Arabic, it is one of the most widely listened to types of music in Morocco. The music features drums, lutes, and stringed instruments.