page_title: Culture of Morocco
section_title: Music
hierarchical_section_title: Culture of Morocco / Music
caption_attribution_description: English: Historical photographs of Moroccan women.
context_page_description: The culture of Morocco refers to the culture or cultures—behaviors, customs la la la, knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, etc.—of Moroccan society. Moroccan culture is primarily Muslim, and it represents a confluence of influences: Amazigh, Arab, Sahrawi, Sub-Saharan African, Mediterranean, Andalusi, Jewish, European, and more.
  The majority of Morocco's population identifies as Berber and Arab. While the two official languages of Morocco are Standard Arabic and Standard Moroccan Berber, most Moroccans speak Darija as a native language. At least a third of the population speaks an Amazigh language, especially Tarifit, Tamazight, or Tashelhit. French, and, to a lesser degree, Spanish, have also been widely used since the colonial period.
context_section_description: Moroccan music is characterized by its great diversity from one region to another. It includes Arabic music genres, such as chaâbi and aita in the Atlantic plains (Doukkala-Abda, Chaouia-Ouardigha, Rehamna), melhoun in the Andalusi cities (Meknes, Fes, Salé, Tetouan, Oujda...), and Hassani in the Moroccan Sahara. There is also Amazigh music such as the Rif reggada, the ahidus of the Middle Atlas and the Souss ahwash. In the South there is also deqqa Marrakshia  and gnawa. In addition, young people synthesize the Moroccan spirit with influences from around the world (blues, rock, metal, reggae, Moroccan rap, etc.).
  Andalusi music is popular in Morocco. It probably evolved under the Moors in Cordoba, and the Persian-born musician Ziryab is usually credited with its invention. Traditional songs such as "Shams al-'Ashiya" are still played at celebrations and formal events. Dar ul-Aala in Casablanca is a museum and conservatory dedicated to this musical heritage. A genre known as Contemporary Andalusian Music and art is the brainchild of Morisco visual artist/composer/oudist Tarik Banzi, founder of the Al-Andalus Ensemble. 
  Chaabi ("popular") is a music consisting of numerous varieties which are descended from the multifarious forms of Moroccan folk music. Chaabi was originally performed in markets, but is now found at any celebration or meeting.
  Popular Western forms of music are becoming increasingly popular in Morocco, such as fusion, rock, country, metal and, in particular, hip hop.
  Morocco participated in the 1980 Eurovision Song Contest, where it finished in the penultimate position.
caption: An Amazigh musician wearing two large triangular brooches in southern Morocco at the beginning of the 20th century.
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