Music of North Africa

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

North African music
Algeria Arabic Berber
Tuareg
Libya Berber
Morocco Bedouin
Tunisia Western Sahara
See also:
Islamic

Sephardic Jews, Tuaregs, Copts and Nubians
, for example, retain musical traditions with their ancient roots.

al-âla in Morocco, Nuubaat and other related styles in Algeria and Ma'luf in Tunisia
.

Traditions

Most common instruments used in traditional North African music

Algeria

Of all the North African countries, Algeria's popular music may be the best-known abroad.

Chaabi
are both also renowned throughout the country, and in France.

Developed from musical styles which were themselves borrowed from Andalusia in the 15th century, Algerian

hawzii
.

Egypt

Egypt's best-known popular tradition is the classical Egyptian music of stars like Abdel Halim Hafez. Other prominent modern styles include Shaabi, el Gil, and Egyptian pop.

Libya

Libyan music, like the music of other North African countries, consists of both local and foreign elements. The factors important to the development of music in Libya are: indigenous North African music, Arabic music theory, language and culture, and Ottoman Turkish music. Because of these factors, Libya's musical heritage can be further divided into four types: 1. Ceremonial music that is associated with the culture and customs of the Sufi-Turugs. 2. Classical vocal music that belongs to the traditional Arab music of Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain, 730-1494 Ad.), and includes Al-muash'shahat and Al-maluf. 3. Classical instrumental music, which evolved from the Arab art-music heritage and was inspired by Turkish elements. 4. Libyan folk music, which also features Central African and Arab musical influences styles.

Tunisia

Tunisia is best known as the centre for ma'luf, a derivative of the Andalusian music imported to North Africa in the 15th century. Since the 1930s, a number of organisations (as well as the first President of Tunisia, Habib Bourguiba) have been promoting ma'luf as an integral aspect of Tunisian culture, helping to keep the ancient tradition alive.

Since the 2000s, modern styles have penetrated the market and been adapted to Tunisian culture, such as reggae or hip hop. Many artists like

Tunisian revolution
for criticising the ancient regime in its abuse of power during the country's democratisation process.

References

  1. ^ "Sub-Saharan Africa censors Mideast protests". cpj.org. 18 February 2011. Retrieved 1 August 2020.