Miscellaneous

Ahmed El Bidaoui – Moroccan Music Pioneer

Ahmed El Bidaoui was a talented musician and singer who has been widely credited with being one of the pioneers of modern Moroccan music. His music is often associated with the Independence of Morocco in 1956, because it was at this time of strong nationalistic sentiments that he began to be recognized for his musical talent, with his lyrics striking a responsive chord in the hearts of many Moroccans.

Fouad Bellamine – The Magic Stroke of an Artist

Moroccan contemporary artist, Fouad Bellamine, was born in Fez in 1950 and was raised amidst varied artistic and creative influences in the Medina of his home town. Bellamine came from a family of skilled craftsmen, and he learned many of his painting techniques from his father who was a talented artist. From an early age he was intensely interested in light and space, an interest which influences his work to this day.

Royal Institute of the Amazigh Culture

Situated in the Kingdom of Morocco’s capital city, Rabat, the Royal Institute of the Amazigh Culture (IRCAM) is an academic institute devoted to the safeguarding and promotion of the Amazigh (Berber) culture and languages. The institute was founded with full legal capacity and financial independence, under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, on 17 October 2001.

Hoba Hoba Spirit Fuse Traditional with Modern

There have been many changes within Morocco in recent years, especially the way music is viewed and received. Bands have been modernizing traditional music to lure the younger generation into appreciating their rich heritage. These youthful styles have been referred to as electro-chaabi, rai-hop and metal-gnawa. Mixing traditional lyrics and instruments with the beat of modern music and use of electrical instruments, such as the guitar, has become more accepted over time, and given rise to the popularity of bands such as Hoba Hoba Spirit.