The GNAWA refer to BILAL, the first black follower of Islam. He was the first person who decorated the Koran-reading with musical elements. So BILAL is called the first Muezzin of the Islamic world. Many centuries later and after a migration across Africa there was a development from this origin to choral songs which seemed liturgical. These kinds of songs are typical for the GNAWA who belong to the Sufism. On the other hand, the characters of their rhythms are doubtlessly black-Africans. At all kinds of national festivals you find the GNAWA as mediators between heaven and earth. Again and again the audience is fascinated by the musical performance. Everybody is convinced to feel the presence of God. By giving gratuities to the GNAWA they ask for protection of the saints of the Sufi-brotherhood. In 1990 Abdelmajid Domnati founded the group" GNAWA EXPRESS TANGER". The latter demonstrates the roots of human culture by the very old songs, the dynamic increases of the rhythms, the dances and the traditional costumes. The performance is a spiritual experience, which touches everybody deeply. This is proved by the different tours of the group in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany and Spain with numerous public or private concerts
MELOUD EL HRIZI
Is master of the ganga (big drum).
He already showed his ability during a
tour through Europe in 1990 under the title" Drums Of The World''.
MOHAMED TILAK
Is a Singer, a dancer and percussionist.
His dance-presentations are already history. He starts his
show by giving movements that correspond to the gnawa music.
ABDAL HARROCH
Is singer, a dancer, and a percussionist (plays on the krakabs, metal-double-castanets that confirm to his hands). His dance presentations are already history. He starts his show by giving movements that correspond to the gnawa music.
MUSTAFA SBAI TANJI
Is a singer and a dancer. His dance presentations are already
History since they are comprised of spontaneous movements that are full of surprises.
