Moroccan music

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July 16, 2026

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Moroccan music is a rich tapestry woven from Arab, Amazigh (Berber), African, and Spanish influences. Traditional instruments include the nay (flute), ghaita (shawm), qanun (zither), and various lutes like the oud and gimbri. Percussion is often provided by the darbukka drum.1

Notable traditional artists include the Master Musicians of Jajouka and Hassan Hakmoun, known for gnawa trance music, which has roots in sub-Saharan Africa. Younger generations enjoy rai, an Algerian style that blends traditional sounds with Western rock, reggae, and other popular music. The drumming tradition in North Africa often features frame drums, goblet drums, and small kettledrums, with frame drums playing a significant role in vocal accompaniment and art-music ensembles.12

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Morocco
The arts
Moroccan music, influenced by Arab, Amazigh, African, and Spanish traditions, makes use of a number of traditional instruments, such as the flute (nāy), shawm (ghaita), zither (qanūn), and various short necked lutes (including the ʿūd and gimbrī). These are often backed by explosive percussion on…
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Moroccan music, influenced by Arab, Amazigh, African, and Spanish traditions, makes use of a number of traditional instruments, such as the flute (nāy), shawm (ghaita), zither (qanūn), and various short necked lutes (including the ʿūd and gimbrī). These are often backed by explosive percussion on…
Read More