Synopsis

Lucy Duran visits the 2009 Gnawa and World Music Festival in Essaouira on Morocco's Atlantic coast. An annual free event attended by some 400,000 people, it celebrates the ancient tradition of trance music and is thought to have the power of spiritual healing. With music by Berber singer Brahim Assli and an improvised collaborative concert by New Orleans jazz band Congo Nation and local musicians Agadir Gnawa.

WORLD ROUTES

Presented by Lucy Duran
Produced by Roger Short

Tel. 020 7765 4661
Fax. 020 7765 5052
e-mail world.routes@bbc.co.uk

Saturday 22nd August 2009

Raouf Bekkari: Baniya
Agadir Gnawa
BBC Recording by Marvin Ware, at the Essaouira World Music Festival 2009

Interview with Neila Tazi, Director of Essaouira World Music Festival

Assli: Yan gir Isagsan
Assli: Awdi Ayahbibawa
Assli: Ghar sigl Maghtssat
Rais Braim Assli & Ensemble
BBC Recording by Marvin Ware, at the Essaouira World Music Festival 2009

Interview with Braim Assli

Assli: Irbi Ayasyakh
Assli: Wim nga Wink
Rais Braim Assli & Ensemble
BBC Recording by Marvin Ware, at the Essaouira World Music Festival 2009

Interview with Donald Harrison

Improvised piece
Congo Nation & Agadir Gnawa
BBC Recording by Marvin Ware, at the Essaouira World Music Festival 2009

Improvised piece
Congo Nation & Agadir Gnawa
BBC Recording by Marvin Ware, at the Essaouira World Music Festival 2009