Commoditised the Sacred: Gnawa from Rituals and Traditions to Stardom

Gnawa, a Moroccan community recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, has preserved its authentic traditions and healing rituals despite commodification and tourism. The group's music and rhythms have influenced iconic artists such as Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, and Jimi Hendrix, spreading globally and attracting followers. Gnawa remains a sacred cultural phenomenon and movement that maintains its rituals for healing purposes, keeping its heritage intact.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Influenced remarkable iconic figures in the music scene, their echo reached the farthest corners of the world, attracted souls and spirits to join its magic. Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, Jimmy Hendrix and many other artists from Jazz, blues and rock made a fusion music with their special music and rhythms. In Morocco, the community of Gnawa is not just an ethnic group but rather a significant cultural patrimony of the country that has been inscribed by the UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage due to its authenticity and special rituals. Despite the huge fame, the commoditisation factors and the tourism, Gnawa preserved its traditions and rituals for the healing purposes, which keep this community sacred and authentic. Gnawa became a cultural phenomenon and movement that influenced many people from all over the world.