Gnaoua Khamlia in Merzouga

About

Located in the desert of Merzouga, the douar Khamlia hosts a black community that maintains the mystical and spiritual music of Gnaoua. During the exchanges of valuable products (gold, ivory and slaves…) promoted by the trans-Saharan caravans, the influx of African populations is important towards the whole Moroccan territory.  Settled since that time in the village of Merzouga, the Gnaoua of Khamlia perpetuate their ancestral art. Dressed in white costumes, their spiritual words and gestures accompanied by the Qraqeb and the Gambri instrument remind us of their attachment to this musical tradition transmitted from father to son. Groups such as Pigeons de sable or Bambaras from the village Khamlia still maintain this tradition.