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Join on Telegram Rabat – Glastonbury Festival kicked off on Friday with the enchanting sounds of the Master Musicians of Joujouka, a Moroccan music collective that holds deep roots in the village of Jajouka in northern Morocco, Reuters reported earlier today.
Tens of thousands of fans gathered at the main Pyramid Stage to witness the captivating performance, marking a significant moment for Moroccan music on the international stage, the report noted.
The Master Musicians of Joujouka, hailing from a centuries-old musical tradition with Sufi roots, fascinated the crowds with their unique blend of rhythmic grooves and enchanting melodies.
The collective’s previous appearance at Glastonbury in 2011 had already garnered considerable attention, but their return this year cemented their position as ambassadors of Moroccan music and cultural heritage.
The Masters Musicians of Joujouka performing at the Glastonbury Festival. Credit: REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff
This musical tradition gained further recognition in 1969 when they collaborated with Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones. The fusion of Western rock and Moroccan sounds created a distinctive and influential sound that captivated the global music scene, paving the way for more collaborations with Western rock and jazz musicians.
Glastonbury Festival 2023, which has attracted music lovers from across the world, is taking place between June 21 and June 2023 in England, offering a unique blend of music.
The annual festival promises a diverse array of performances, ranging from American rock legends Guns N’ Roses to the iconic British singer Elton John, who will deliver on Sunday night his final UK tour performance.
Read also: Joujouka Masters Musicians: The Healing Power of a 4000-year-old Music
The Moroccan group, which American writer William S. Burroughs has described as a “4,000-year-old rock n roll band,” added its unique touch to the mix, showcasing the power of cultural exchange and the ability of music to transcend borders.
The performance left a lasting impression on the audience, with Reuters quoting festival-goer Leslie Mills as saying: “It was different. I had a little dance.”
The Master Musicians of Joujouka, which includes more than 50 musicians from the village, are custodians of the centuries-old musical tradition, which has been passed down through generations within the Ahl Srif tribe in the Rif Mountains.
