Gnawa

Gnawa music is a spiritual and entrancing art form rooted in the rituals and rhythms of the descendants of African slaves in Morocco. Characterized by its hypnotic grooves and soulful chants, the genre traditionally relies on the guembri (a three-stringed lute), krakebs (metallic castanets), and the melodic cadence of call-and-response singing. Although initially a form of healing and sacred Sufi expression, modern Gnawa reflects a fusion with contemporary styles, illustrated by artists like Nass El Ghiwane's incorporation of political lyrics, and Gnawa Diffusion's blend of reggae and Algerian rai. The genre's magnetic allure has spilled onto global music scenes, captivating audiences with its rich cultural heritage and propulsive beats, while still preserving its ancestral and mystical essence.

Latest Gnawa Release
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Barbès
Single - Released June 13, 2025
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Khaled
Floating Points
Tinariwen
Rachid Taha
CHAAMA
Piers Faccini
Top Playlists
The Sound of Gnawa 82 Gnawa artists
The Sound of Musique Nigérienne 17 Gnawa artists
The Sound of Musique Touareg 13 Gnawa artists
The Sound of Darbuka 10 Gnawa artists
The Sound of Classic Tunisian Pop 9 Gnawa artists
The Sound of Malian Traditional 9 Gnawa artists

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  1. June 13, 2025
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