Written by : Hend Eltaher
It is the country of colours: Marrakesh is the red city, Casablanca is the white, and Chefchaouen is the blue pearl. It is a country of diversity, where Berbers, Arabs, and Jews coexist together. It is also a country of tongues; you hear Moroccan Arabic (Darija), Amazigh of the Berbers, French, and Spanish. It is a land of paradoxes—famous for the hash trade, yet equally known for its spirituality and religiosity. It is a country of openness, where in some places women ride motorcycles and are widely seen in public life, while in other cities, conservative norms still limit many to domestic roles. It is a country of magic and superstition, yet also one that is actively pursuing administrative and political reforms. Above all, it is a country of peace that attracts thousands of tourists each year under the umbrella of its sacred festivals.
Every June, the city of Fez hosts the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, an international gathering where munshids from around the world come to sing for peace. Why Fez? Because it is known as a city of coexistence, where Muslims, Christians, and Jews have historically lived side by side. In Marrakesh and Essaouira, musicians gather for similar purposes. These festivals open doors to diverse cultures, while the state uses the opportunity to showcase Moroccan heritage, art, and folklore—supporting tourism and strengthening a shared sense of pride and belonging among locals.
Moroccan spiritual and folklore music is often performed without musical instruments and is not limited to religious occasions. It typically relies on individual vocal performance, accompanied by group chanting in a choir-like form. Another important genre is madih, commonly performed by Sufi orders through the remembrance of God’s names and attributes, as well as dhikr—the praise of the Prophet and his family (ahl al-bayt). These performances often take place in Sufi lodges, known as zawaya, where followers gather for spiritual rituals.
One of the most interesting musical groups in Morocco is the Ibn Arabi Band, named after the Sufi saint and philosopher Ibn Arabi. The group performs Andalusian songs inspired by Ibn Arabi’s poetry and traditional Andalusian melodies. Chanters are often seen as heirs to this spiritual tradition. Echoing the words of Jalal al-Din al-Rumi—“My path to God is music”—Morocco continues to express its spirituality through rich musical traditions and soulful melodies.