Ecstatic Music Of The Jemaa El Fna

This release features live recordings from the street musicians of Marrakesh, Morocco.

During my visit to Marrakesh I had the pleasure of catching a lively night performance within the center of the Jemaa el-Fnaa medina. One tip for tourists— only tip the musicians directly! My girlfriend and I handed over all of our large coins to a man circling the audience with a tambourine, who soon after slipped into the darkness. When the band finished their set, they individually solicited tips from the small crowd that intimately surrounding them. When our turn came, they razzed us for our meager contributions. In an effort to make good, my girlfriend asked, “Do you accept Euros?” The band leader confirmed and upon passing over a handful of coins, he picked out the ones he wanted and handed the rest back. It was an embarrassing experience, but we later managed to laugh it off.

Listen to “Essiniya” by Troupe Majidi.