Berber music Information & Berber music Links at HealthHaven.com

The Berbers are an ethnic group in North and West Africa. They have been in existence since around 3000 B.C. Before the 7th century A.D., the Berber people lived in areas stretching from Egypt to the Atlantic Ocean. But during the 7th century A.D. the Arab people invaded Africa, pushing the Berbers toward the Sahara and influencing the people with their Muslim beliefs. Today most Berbers live in Morocco, making up 40% of their population, and Algeria, making up nearly 30% of their population. Morocco is home to one of the Berber's most famous musicians, Najat Aatabou. The kinds of music are widely varying across the area they inhabit, but is best known for its place in Moroccan music, the popular Kabylian and chawi music of Algeria and the widespread Tuareg music of Algeria, Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali. At one time, percussive Berber music was only heard in its community during celebrations and such. Now the music is being rediscovered not only in Northern Africa, but all over the world due to its involvment in concerts and playing time on the radio. Though Berber dance traditions are hard to find, they still exist in Northeastern Africa.

[edit] Algeria

Main article: music of Algeria

The region of Kabylia in Algeria has a very large Berber population. Traditional Kabylian music consists of vocalists accompanied by a rhythm section, consisting of t'bel (tambourine) and bendir (frame drum), and a melody section, consisting of a ghaita (bagpipe) and ajouag (flute).

Kabylian music has been famous in France since the 1930s, when it was played at cafés. As it evolved, Western string instruments and Arab musical conventions, like large backing orchestras, were added. After the independence of Algeria and Kabylian culture was oppressed^{[citation needed]}, many musicians began to adopt politicized lyrics. The three most popular musicians of this era were Ferhat Mehenni, Lounis Ait Menguellet and Idir, whose "A Vava Inouva" (1973) brought international attention for Kabylian music and laid the groundwork for the breakthrough of raï.

By the time raï, a style of Algerian popular music, became popular in France and elsewhere in Europe, Kabylian artists were also moving towards popular music conventions. Hassen Zermani's all-electric Takfarinas and Abdelli's work with Peter Gabriel's Real World helped bring Kabylian music to new audiences, while the murder of Matoub Lounes inspired many Kabylians to rally around their popular musicians.

Modern singers include Djur Djura and many chawi singers and groups as: Houria Aichi, Les Berberes, Ithran, Amirouch, Massinissa, Amadiaz, Numidas, Mihoub, Massilia, Merkunda, Thiguyer, Salim Souhali (Thaziri), Dihya, Messaoud Nedjahi and others.

[edit] Morocco

Main article: Music of Morocco

File:Berbermusicceremony CC.jpg

Berber musicians from the Ourika valley

Berbers are a solid majority of Morocco's population, but are nevertheless politically marginalized^{[citation needed]}. Their most famous musical output is likely Najat Aatabou, a singer whose debut cassette, "J'en ai Marre", sold an unprecedented half a million copies in Morocco. Internationally, the Master Musicians of Jajouka are also well known, as a result of their collaboration with Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones and poet William Burroughs. Another recording group from Jajouka is Master Musicians of Joujouka, formerly managed by the late painter Mohamed Hamri. In 2009 the first R'n'B songs in a Berberian language were realased by Ahmed Soultan in his second album Code.

[edit] Tuareg

Main articles: Music of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso

The Tuareg who live in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have produced internationally renowned bands in Tartit and Tinariwen. Their traditional music uses rhythms and vocal styles similar to the music of other Berbers and Arab music, while West African call-and-response-style singing is also common. In contrast to many of the region's peoples, among the Tuareg, music is mostly the domain of women, especially the imzhad, a string instrument like a violin.

[edit] Berber Dance

Ethnic dance is becoming increasingly uncommon in Morocco. When it was active, it could be seen at the Marrakesh Folk Festival.

Within the past 4 years, Morocco has seen a lot of change. Most of that change has come with the use of the satellite receiver. It has been added to almost every household in Morocco. Out of 300 channels, 30 of them are religious. Because of these religious channels, women are no longer permitted to dance in public. In their religion, this is considered to be dishonorable to herself and her family.

Some parts of North Africa, near Eastern, still have some Berber Dance traditions.

Guedra is the form of Berber Dance in Tuareg. Guedra is what they call the ritualistic dance only when the woman is doing the dance on her knees. If she stands up at all during the performance, it's called T'bal. The reason for the different names, even though dances are done very similar is unknown. In this culture, Guedra is not just a dance, but a ritual that everybody can participate in. It is mostly done by women, but sometimes men and children also participate. Guedra is performed to create good energy, peace and spiritual, not carnal, love.

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