gnawa music evening with uga and neu

Sunday May 16th was an evening of Gnawa music at the CLC.  Students from the University of Georgia maymester program, from Northeastern University's study abroad program, as well as their Moroccan homestay hosts attended.

Gnawa is a music of sub-saharan African origins.  The instruments used are the guinbri and the metal castanettes, which accompany the clapping, dancing and singing.  This is Hajj Belqani and his gnawa band:

The lyrics of gnawa songs are spiritual, and are said to have healing qualities:

A few Moroccan and American students:

It was a well photographed event:

The CLC courtyard was a perfect sized venue for the 70 or so people who attended:

American students holding their own:

Keeping up the rhythm:

A fun, relaxed vibe:

College student with a two part question:

Questions which were answered by Dr Honerkamp (UGA), Mr Fitzgerald (CLC director) and the Hajj Belqani gnawa musicians:

A round of sweet Moroccan mint tea:

And Moroccan pastries to finish off a great evening: