This distinctive stamp of ancestral Moroccan culture, brilliantly highlighted each year at the Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira, draws its roots from the depth and natural extension of the Kingdom and transcends borders to influence, across the Atlantic, other artistic events.
In this context, the long-time correspondent of “60 minutes”, Bill Whitaker, traces, in this program widely followed in the United States and throughout the world, the influence of Gnaoui sounds and rhythms on original American music. African, such as Blues and Jazz.
“For many African-Americans, these rhythms are familiar,” he says, indicating that this musical manifestation crossed the ports of Africa, across the Atlantic, to contribute to the emergence of new forms of art like the Blues in the United States.
“It was a starting point. It was a place with which Americans of African origin have a connection that we don’t really know exists,” notes Robert Wisdom, famous American actor and great fan of Gnaoua music.
Speaking during this broadcast, produced on the occasion of the last edition of the festival held last June, Wisdom notes that the origin of Blues goes back to cultures from Senegal, Gambia and Mali who “emigrated” towards the North towards Morocco, before crossing the Atlantic.
“When you come here (to Essaouira Editor’s note) and hear the Gnaoua, you feel the same thing that we feel with the Blues of yesteryear,” he notes.
Retracing the similarities between Gnaoua and the Blues, the famous percussionist Sulaiman Hakim does not hide his admiration and astonishment by indicating: “The first time I listened to the Gnaoua, I said: +Wow, it sounds like to music from home+”.
This international popularity of Gnaoua art and music continues to strengthen over the years, thanks in particular to the Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira, further comments on the Sunday broadcast, specifying that hundreds of thousands of music enthusiasts stage and music converge on the Cité des Alizés for this annual meeting which has established itself, over the years, as the largest musical event in Africa.
On the occasion of its 24th edition which took place from June 22 to 24, more than 35 mâalems offered the public moments of extreme beauty, oscillating between daring fusions and pure Gnaouie tradition.
In total, 480 musicians from Morocco and 15 other countries brought world music to life through around fifty concerts.
Impressed by the dexterity and mastery of the Moroccan Gnaoui Maâlems, Sulaiman Hakim, an experienced musical globetrotter, confides that these maestros, during the Essaouira International Festival, play in complete harmony with any other musician.
In this vein, the correspondent of “60 minutes” observes that artists, particularly Western ones, have always been attracted by the richness and musical diversity of Morocco, recalling that in the 60s, the jazz legend Randy Weston and the giant of Rock ‘n’ roll Robert Plant fell under the spell of the art of Gnaoua, now listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in recognition of the contribution of culture to human development and international influence.
He also cites other world stars, such as Carlos Santana, Cat Stevens, Paul Simon, Frank Zappa and Jimi Hendrix who made the trip to Morocco, in addition to the American pop diva Madonna who paid tribute to this ancestral music in his latest album.
Created in 1968 by New York director and screenwriter Don Hewitt, “60 Minutes” is one of the most watched programs in the United States. Now produced by Heather Abbott, the show has won 73 Emmy Awards and 13 Peabody Awards.
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Robert Wisdom, Actor and Gnaoua Music Enthusiast
Editor: Welcome, Robert! We’re thrilled to have you with us today. You’ve been a long-time aficionado of Gnaoua music. Can you tell us what first drew you to this unique genre?
Wisdom: Thank you for having me! My journey with Gnaoua music started during a trip to Morocco. The moment I heard the soulful rhythms and powerful lyrics, I felt an immediate connection. It resonated deep within me, reminiscent of the Blues and Jazz I grew up with in the United States.
Editor: Fascinating! It seems that many people, especially in the African-American community, find Gnaoua’s rhythms familiar. Can you elaborate on this connection?
Wisdom: Absolutely. For many African-Americans, the Gnaoua rhythms echo the ancestral sounds that have traveled across time and space. As noted in the recent “60 Minutes” feature, these rhythms originated from cultures in Senegal, Gambia, and Mali before making their way to Morocco and then across the Atlantic, influencing the emergence of Blues. It’s like uncovering a piece of our history that we weren’t aware existed.
Editor: That’s such an interesting perspective! You mentioned that Gnaoua music gives you the same feeling as listening to the Blues. Can you explain what those similarities are?
Wisdom: Both musical styles are deeply rooted in expressing feelings, whether of joy, pain, or resilience. The call-and-response structure found in Gnaoua is remarkably similar to what you hear in Blues music. It’s the beat and the spirit that unite them—both styles speak to the soul, creating a bridge that connects us across continents.
Editor: Sulaiman Hakim, a renowned percussionist, expressed his astonishment upon hearing Gnaoua’s music for the first time. He felt it resembled music from home. Do you share similar sentiments?
Wisdom: Absolutely! The moment I stepped into Essaouira and immersed myself in the Gnaoua Festival, it was like stepping back in time. I felt a sense of belonging, as if I were hearing echoes of my own cultural heritage. The heartbeat of Gnaoua music is something ancestral; it’s both unique and universal, touching something primal in our collective consciousness.
Editor: Speaking of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival, it has grown to become the largest musical event in Africa. What do you think has fueled its international popularity over the years?
Wisdom: The festival’s success is a testament to the power of music to transcend borders. Artists from all over the world come to celebrate and collaborate, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. Each year, thousands converge in Essaouira, drawn by the magnetic energy of Gnaoua. It’s not just about the music; it’s about cultural exchange and celebrating our differences while recognizing our common roots.
Editor: That’s beautifully said! As an artist yourself, how has your engagement with Gnaoua music impacted your work and creativity?
Wisdom: It has profoundly influenced my understanding of rhythm, sound, and storytelling. Gnaoua music reminds me that art is a living, breathing thing. It evolves, and it’s shaped by the narratives of people. This understanding has pushed me to explore new ways of expressing myself as an artist, bringing in rich cultural narratives that resonate on multiple levels.
Editor: Robert, thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us. It’s incredible to see how Gnaoua music acts as a bridge between cultures and generations.
Wisdom: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this beautiful art form. Let’s continue to celebrate and explore these connections that bring us all together.