Under thunderous applause from the public, who came en masse to the Mohammed V Theater, Rieu and Ennaira graced the audience with a concert rich in color and emotion, plunging them into an unprecedented artistic journey and a harmonious dialogue between various currents musicals that draw on different cultures and reflect the festival’s spirit of openness and cooperation.
With a coherent and melodious musical style combining gnaoua and jazz sounds, this duo succeeded in captivating the public, by offering them a musical anthology with fluid transitions from one style to another. This unexpected fusion between the saxophone and the guembri gave rise to an exceptional masterpiece.
In a statement to MAP, Yannick Rieu said he was very happy to take part in the “Visa For Music” festival for the first time, stressing that this artistic event constitutes a great opportunity for his group to strengthen ties between Canadian and Moroccan-African music and promote cultural exchanges.
He also said he was impressed by Jazz“>Gnaoua music and the exceptional performance delivered by the artist Hind Ennaira, noting that this musical partnership had been in preparation for several months, in order to design a harmonious dialogue and a successful fusion between jazz and gnaoua music.
For her part, the great Gnaouie Mâalma, Hind Ennaira expressed her joy and pride in this unprecedented cooperation with the international saxophonist Yannick Rieu, saying she was very satisfied with the musical performance delivered on the stages of the Mohammed V theater in Rabat.
The “Visa For Music” festival gives Moroccan artists the opportunity to highlight Moroccan culture and open up to rhythms and sounds from elsewhere, she added.
It is also intended to be a space for exchange and dialogue between artists and professionals in the music industry, including production houses, artistic agents, artistic directors, cultural institutions, the media and trainers.
Placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the 10th edition which continues until November 25, offers more than 60 new musical concerts, in addition to the organization of 15 meetings, conferences and workshops.
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Music Expert Dr. Fatima Al-Darzi
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Al-Darzi! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today to delve into the recent concert at the Mohammed V Theater featuring Rieu and Ennaira. The reception from the audience was quite overwhelming. How would you characterize the atmosphere during the performance?
Dr. Al-Darzi: Thank you for having me! The atmosphere was electric. The audience was clearly moved, not only by the music but also by the sense of community and shared experience. Rieu and Ennaira’s ability to connect with the audience through their artistry played a huge role in creating that engaging environment.
Editor: It sounds like they accomplished something special. Can you talk a bit about the unique fusion between gnaoua and jazz that was showcased? How does this combination contribute to the overall musical experience?
Dr. Al-Darzi: Absolutely! The fusion of gnaoua—a traditional Moroccan music style that incorporates African and Arab influences—with jazz is a brilliant example of cultural dialogue. Gnaoua’s complex rhythms and spiritual undertones complement jazz’s improvisational nature wonderfully. It creates a layered musical experience that feels both grounded in tradition and expansive in its exploration. The fluid transitions between the saxophone and the guembri contributed to that richness, making it a tapestry of sounds that resonates deeply with listeners.
Editor: That’s a fascinating perspective. You mentioned the artists’ ability to create transitions. What techniques or elements do you think facilitated this seamless blend of genres?
Dr. Al-Darzi: The key element is the performers’ understanding of both genres. Rieu’s proficiency on the saxophone, combined with Ennaira’s mastery of the guembri, allows them to play off each other’s strengths. They employ call-and-response techniques, which are prevalent in both jazz and gnaoua. Additionally, the use of improvisation in jazz aligns beautifully with the spontaneity found in traditional gnaoua performances, making the whole experience feel organic and fluid.
Editor: The concert was described as an “artistic journey.” What does this phrase mean in the context of their performance, and how does it resonate with audiences?
Dr. Al-Darzi: An artistic journey implies a transformative experience—taking the audience through different emotional landscapes. Rieu and Ennaira didn’t just perform; they invited the audience to explore the nuances of each musical piece, evoking a spectrum of emotions. This connection is vital for audience engagement. The different musical currents they drew from—each telling its own story—allowed listeners to immerse themselves in a larger narrative about culture, cooperation, and shared humanity.
Editor: That makes a lot of sense. Given the festival’s spirit of openness and cooperation, how do you think concerts like this contribute to cultural exchange?
Dr. Al-Darzi: Concerts like this serve as a bridge between cultures. They showcase how music can transcend boundaries and create a space for dialogue. By highlighting diverse musical traditions, artists can foster appreciation and understanding among different communities. Moreover, such collaborations can inspire future generations to explore and innovate, keeping cultural exchanges alive and vibrant.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Al-Darzi. It’s clear that the concert was more than just a performance; it was an exploration of cultural richness and artistic dialogue. We appreciate your insights!
Dr. Al-Darzi: Thank you for the opportunity! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the transformative power of music.