Morocco’s Kasbah Melhoun Art Festival Celebrates Poetry and Tradition
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The Kasbah Melhoun Art Festival in Morocco recently concluded a vibrant six-day celebration, showcasing the kingdom’s rich poetic heritage and traditional musical instruments. The festival, held in the historic city of Marrakech, highlighted the profound cultural significance of the Al Hadhra and Melhoun genres, with a particular emphasis on all-women troupes that captivated audiences.
Amina Bouyabri, a prominent member of the festival, explained the nuances that differentiate the two genres. “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 Hadhra focuses primarily on the singing of prayers, Melhoun delves into themes such as the beauty of people and nature, social issues, and love. This genre, rich in its lyrical content, was honored last year when it was included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Rkia Ouamani, a singer at the festival, emphasized the importance of passing this cultural legacy to future generations. “Through Laabat, we aim to bring this art to the youth, mothers, and the general public, to make them happy and enjoy our performances,” she said. “This ensures the continuation of this important heritage into the future.”
The verses of Melhoun are traditionally sung in dialectical Arabic, and sometimes Hebrew, reflecting the genre’s deep roots in Morocco’s diverse cultural landscape. Historically, Melhoun was passed down informally through apprenticeships with vocalists and transcribers, but today it is also taught in music conservatories and cultural organizations, ensuring its preservation.
The festival’s organizers were dedicated to enhancing both the technical and artistic presentation of Melhoun. “We tried to focus on the technical and artistic aspects of this festival, bringing together the ideas of several artistic groups who work with Melhoun,” they stated. “Our 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 also featured various cultural activities, including an exhibition of books authored by Melhoun sheikhs or scholars, further enriching the experience for attendees and deepening their appreciation of this treasured Moroccan art form.
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