Gnawa music is Moroccan and West African Islamic music that combines ritual poetry with traditional music and dancing. Dedicated to prayer and healing it is performed at lilas, a communal night of celebration by the Gnawa master and a group of musicians and dancers.
In the 11th century, people from the Gnawa ethnic group, who originated from sub-Saharan Africa, were brought to Morocco by slave traders. The enslaved Gnawa people, from Mali, Senegal, Chad, and Nigeria, were used as soldiers in Morocco. Over the centuries, the people were gradually freed and were able to form their own communities within Morocco, where they developed their own traditions.
A mystic, spiritual version of Islam is practiced by the Gnawa people, incorporating Islam with sub-Saharan West African traditions. These people believe that direct contact with Allah cannot be achieved and must instead be achieved through spirits. Their traditions include the use of sacred and ritualistic music. This music is used in ceremonies to facilitate peaceful contact with the spiritual realm as well as to heal participants. The music of Gnawa is also influenced by these people's history of slavery and liberation, which they retell through their music.
The Gnawa culture uses a trance ceremony called a lila to cure spiritual and physical sickness. It is performed in a private house, and it begins after sunset, lasting all night. It is made up of three parts: al-'ada, or warm-up, kuyu, or Awlad Bambara, where the prophet Mohammed is invoked, and ftuh ar-rahba, where the seven spirits are represented.
There are seven colored mleks, which are invoked in a specific order. Each mlek is associated with a particular color: white, light blue, dark blue, red, green, black, and yellow. The musicians move seamlessly between each mlek, so sections of the music are difficult to distinguish. Usually, each section is comprised of a series of verses and choruses. Each section also contains several periods of instrumental dance. During those periods, the tempo increases, and the qraqab gets louder. Colorful, embroidered costumes are worn in the city, while white attire with accessories is characteristic of rural practices.
Although the Gnawa were originally marginalized in Moroccan society, Gnawa music has become increasingly popular over the past several decades. Today, Gnawa artists have often been regarded as powerful symbols of Moroccan culture. Gnawa shows have become more valued by Moroccan elites in their homes.
It has not only evolved from a spiritual practice to secular art but also has found its place within popular Moroccan culture. It is a fascinating combination of poetry, music, and dancing, and it is constantly growing, with countless fraternal groups, master musicians, and associations. These associations have held local, regional, national, and even international festivals. This allows youth to become familiar with both the lyrics and musical instruments as well as practices and rituals associated with Gnawa culture.