Kasbah Melhoun Art Festival Celebrates Morocco’s Traditional Music and Poetry

Highlights from the 6-Day Event

The Kasbah Melhoun Art Festival brought together talented performers, featuring all-women troupes and highlighting the Al Hadra and Melhoun genres.

During the 6-day event, attendees enjoyed a unique blend of traditional music and poetry from Morocco’s rich cultural heritage.

The Al Hadra and Melhoun Genres

A Brief Comparison

Member Amina Bouyabri explains what sets the two genres apart:

“The Marrakech Hadra shares many characteristics with melhoun art, as both follow similar rules. The main difference is that Al Hadra is exclusively for women, where they recite poetry and beautiful prose. Melhoun is distinguished by its words and poetry, and both forms have distinctive words.”

While Al Hadra is focused on singing prayers, melhoun explores themes such as the beauty of people and nature, social issues, and love.

A UNICEF Designation and Preservation Efforts

Melhoun was recognized as part of UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2022.

According to Singer Rkia Ouamani, “Through Laabat, we aim to bring this art to the youth, mothers, and the general public, to make them happy and enjoy our performances. This ensures the continuation of this important heritage into the future.”

The Transmission of Melhoun

In the past, melhoun was transmitted informally through apprenticeships and mentorship. Today, it is also preserved through organizations and music conservatories.

The festival organizers’ goal is to “present a rich level of melhoun art in Marrakech, particularly in the Kasbah, and to offer a strong spectacle for the people of Marrakech as well as for everyone else.”

The Second Edition of the Kasbah Melhoun Art Festival

The second edition of the festival featured various activities, including an exhibition of books written by melhoun sheikhs or scholars.

Conclusion

The Kasbah Melhoun Art Festival is an essential celebration of Morocco’s cultural heritage, bringing together music, poetry, and art to ensure its preservation for future generations.

FAQs

Q: What are the main differences between the Al Hadra and Melhoun genres?

A: According to Amina Bouyabri, the main difference is that Al Hadra is exclusively for women, while melhoun is not, and that Al Hadra is focused on singing prayers, whereas melhoun explores various themes.

Q: How is melhoun transmitted today?

A: Melhoun is transmitted both informally through apprenticeships and mentorship, as well as formally through organizations and music conservatories.

Q: What is the goal of the Kasbah Melhoun Art Festival?

A: The goal is to “present a rich level of melhoun art in Marrakech, particularly in the Kasbah, and to offer a strong spectacle for the people of Marrakech as well as for everyone else.”