Ahwash

Ahwach
Stylistic origins	African music
Cultural origins	Southern Morocco
Typical instruments	drums
Derivative forms	_
Subgenres
Gnawa
Fusion genres
Amazigh rap
Regional scenes
Morocco- Ouarzazate - Zagoura - Taliouine

Ahwash dancers, 1969.

Ahouach (a.k.a. Ahwach, Ahwash) refers to a folkloric style of music and associated dance from southern Morocco. an Ahwach session is held by a number of performers (sometimes more than 20 performers) from both men and women (in some regions; only men) playing on the rhythms of drums while chanting, Ahwach is famous in the Amazigh (berber) regions of Morocco, especially, the region of Ouarzazate, Zagoura, Souss.

The root h-w-sh means "dance", but the term ahwash encompasses 1) general idea of (musical) performance 2) An evening of song and dance 3) a single piece and 4) the dance section of a single piece.

History

It is an exclusively Berber village music, probably unchanged for centuries or longer. Ahouach texts emphasize the submission of the individual to the community. Typically, it consists of two large choruses engaging in call-and-response vocals, accompanied by instrumentalists and dancers. Since this music requires anywhere from 20 to 150 participants, it is not easily portable and so rarely heard in the cities.

Festivals

http://ahwachfestivalouarzazate.com/

Rose Festival at Kelaa Mgouna

Famous Ahwach groups

From region to region, Ahouach groups differ slightly in the way of performing and every region has its specific touch and style.

Souss

Characterized by the addition of the flute to the other Ahouach instruments.

Mizane Houara

From Taroudante, is characterized by the dual dance between the women and men in movements same as the ones performed by Capoeira fighters.