Location : Tazart, Tata
In the village of Tazart, the gnawa troupe is at the centre of the annual festivities, which take place in November. The musicians, also known as ismgan, are descendants of slaves and this history and their ancestors are reflected in their music. The troupe plays the tallunt (bendir), the Ganga (drum) and the “iqrqawn”, a form of metal castanets. The songs are of religious nature and praise to the Prophet Muhammad and his companions. They dance in a circle, holding hands and sing in both Amazigh and Arabic. In addition to their performance, the troupe is proud to offer and share a feast prepared collectively, to all the villagers as part of the festivities.