In this episode, we go beyond these stars to explore the legacy of some lesser-known inspirations. We’ll learn how the fluid guitar playing of ’70s rock band Dire Straits became massively popular in the Sahel, influencing Tuareg rockers like Tinariwen and Tamikrest.
Moroccan Music Today: Re-Examined Past, Innovative Future
In Morocco today, artists draw from a huge variety of styles and traditions, creating music that takes from previously neglected history in order to create new and innovative sounds. In Agadir and Casablanca, two of Morocco s most vibrantly musical cities, musicians have embraced Morocco s Amazigh and sub-Saharan roots. On this program, we explore how artists are preserving styles like
Gnawa, brought to Morocco by slaves from West Africa, and
rwayes, Amazigh troubadour music of southern Morocco. We will also hear everything from Amazigh black metal to a band covering Bob Marley songs with Moroccan instruments, along with some female artists who are powerfully staking out their place in male-dominated genres.