University Open Air: Gnawa Music: Roots, Diversity, and Integration
As one of many Sufi brotherhoods of Morocco, the Gnawa's rituals, spaces, cultural references are profoundly Moroccan. At the same time, the details of their music, the words used in their songs, the instruments they play, tell us of the history of slavery and forced otherness that saw the birth of this brotherhood. By listening to some examples, we will discuss how contemporary Gnawa musicians and practitioners keep reaffirming their complex identity in Moroccan society through musical practices.
Lorenzo Vanelli completed a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology in 2019 at the University of Bologna, Italy, with a focus on music traditions of the African Diaspora in the Mediterranean and the U.S. His interest focused on how diasporic communities re-interpret music traditions to discuss and resist current and historical struggles, as well as to affirm or challenge identities. Lorenzo works for Upwardly Global, a non-profit that supports immigrants in the US to find jobs in their professional fields.
*In cases of rain, classes will be canceled. Registered patrons will be notified by email on the morning of each course day and are also encouraged to check the UOA webpage and BPL Presents’ Facebook and Twitter pages for updates.
University Open Air is generously supported by The Morris & Alma Schapiro Fund.
101 East Drive
Brooklyn, NY 11225
As one of many Sufi brotherhoods of Morocco, the Gnawa's rituals, spaces, cultural references are profoundly Moroccan. At the same time, the details of their music, the words used in their songs, the instruments they play, tell us of the history of slavery and forced otherness that saw the birth of this brotherhood. By listening to some examples, we will discuss how contemporary Gnawa musicians and practitioners keep reaffirming their complex identity in Moroccan society through musical practices.
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