Date: Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Category: Culture
Title: Preserving Algeria’s Heritage Through Gnawa Music Festival
Location: Naama – The 15th National Cultural Festival of Gnawa Music commenced on Monday at the municipal stadium of Ain Sefra, Naama. The event features the participation of approximately 18 artistic groups from various Algerian provinces, celebrating a rich tradition deeply rooted in the country’s cultural and historical identity.
A Celebration of Algerian Heritage and African Roots
In a speech read on behalf of the Minister of Culture and Arts, Zouhir Ballou, Naama’s Director of Culture, Mohamed Qamoumia, emphasized the festival’s significance. “This national cultural event underscores Algeria’s commitment to preserving its tangible and intangible heritage as a cornerstone of its national identity,” Ballou’s message stated.
The festival highlights Algeria’s deep cultural ties to Africa, showcasing the ancient rhythms, melodies, and dances of Gnawa music. The Minister also recognized the Ministry’s dedication to protecting and promoting the diverse cultural landscape of Algeria and passing it on to future generations.
Promoting Creativity and Honoring Icons
Festival Commissioner Mohamed Rahmani stressed the event’s role in fostering artistic creativity and nurturing young talent. He noted that this year’s edition pays tribute to the late Hassna El Becharia, an artist who played a pivotal role in popularizing Gnawa music on both national and global stages.
A Vibrant Opening Night
The opening night saw captivating performances from several groups, including “Achak Diwan” from Kenadsa (Bechar), the Folkloric Association of El Bayadh, and “Generation Oasis” from Bechar. Musicians and singers enthralled the audience with their skillful renditions of traditional pieces, blending drums, qarqabou (castanets), and gimbri (a string instrument). Among the performers, Maalem Hamid Amami of the “Knights of Diwan” from Tlemcen delivered a particularly memorable performance, resonating with his powerful voice and mastery of the gimbri.
Four Days of Competition and Enrichment
Under the theme “Gnawa Music and the Challenges of Cultural Globalization in Preserving Identity,” the festival spans four days. Groups from various regions, including Naama, Bechar, El Bayadh, Saida, Tlemcen, Ain Temouchent, Mascara, Adrar, Biskra, Sidi Bel Abbes, Tindouf, and Algiers, will compete for top honors, with substantial prizes awarded to winners by a specialized jury.
In addition to nightly performances, the festival program includes workshops on drum processions and gimbri playing, as well as lectures and discussions led by researchers to explore Gnawa traditions and rituals.
A Growing Platform for Traditional Music
Established in 2007, the festival has become a vital cultural event celebrating the rich heritage of Gnawa music. In 2021, the festival transitioned from Bechar to Ain Sefra, further cementing its place as a platform for preserving and revitalizing this unique genre.
The festival’s popularity continues to grow, bolstered by social media and online platforms that attract younger generations to this vibrant art form, ensuring its relevance and preservation in contemporary Algeria.
Source: DZWATCH.DZ
Author: Nor-Eleslam
