At the 26th Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira, held from June 19 to 21, 2025, women emerged as powerful forces reshaping the narrative of a genre long dominated by men. Once considered the preserve of male maâlems, Gnaoua, a centuries-old spiritual music rooted in Sub-Saharan African traditions is now being redefined through female leadership and innovation.
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Asmaa Hamzaoui, founder of Morocco’s first all-female Gnaoua group, Bnat Timbouktou, led the charge with commanding performances that combined tradition with a bold feminine presence. She was joined by Malian singer Rokia Koné in a standout cross-cultural collaboration that fused Gnaoua rhythms with Mandingue vocal styles.
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Essaouira native Hind Ennaira also made an impression, blending traditional guembri music with modern instruments. Yousra Mansour, frontwoman of Bab L’bluz, pushed the genre further, introducing blues and rock elements while reimagining the role of women in North African music.
Beyond the stage, the festival’s workshops and forums echoed the same message: women are no longer on the sidelines of Gnaoua, they are shaping its future. Their growing presence signals not just inclusion but transformation, ensuring this heritage continues to evolve in meaningful and modern ways.
