The Guardian Celebrates Master Musicians of Joujouka

The Guardian has published a fascinating article about the Master Musicians of Joujouka, a group of traditional musicians from a remote village in the majestic mountains of Morocco near El-Ksar el Kebir (North) who play a trance-inducing music that has survived for centuries and is inspired by the ancient god Pan.
The article takes us on a journey to their exclusive festival. The festival lasts two days and it is held yearly on June 7-9. It is attended by only 50 lucky people.
Author Robin Denslow described Joujouka as a rural village set on a ridge, surrounded by agricultural land and olive groves, swarming with donkeys and hens. It may appear to be a regular North African village, yet it boasts a rare musical genre.
Joujouka fans come from all over the world, with one-third coming from Japan and others flying in from Los Angeles, France, and the United Kingdom. The celebration is organized by Frank Rynne, a historian who has researched the Boujeloud myth and its legendary descent from Pan.
The majestic band is preparing for the opening of the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury, revealed The Guardian. Glastonbury Festival, officially called Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts, is one of the largest musical and performing arts festivals in the world, taking place in Glastonbury Village in England on June 20-25.
The article also explored the rich history and influence of the Master Musicians, who have been admired by writers such as William Burroughs and Paul Bowles, and musicians such as Brian Jones, Ornette Coleman and Lee Ranaldo.
According to the writer, in Joujouka, Sufi mystic figure Sidi Ahmed Sheikh taught musicians how to help heal melancholy with their rhythm. Musical healing ceremonies continued to take place in the ancient shrine regardless of colonial times.
The article revealed also the challenges and opportunities that the Master Musicians face in preserving and promoting their timeless artistry in the modern world.
The article ended by quoting the Joujouka Band members. Ahmed El Attar, the charismatic leader of the Master Musicians, who said: “Boujeloud music brings blessings.”
“People want the baraka, the healing power,” stated Abdeslam Rrtoubi, a ghaita player. “This is ancient music. It will not die.”