Al Jazeera released a multimedia video on Wednesday, featuring two all-female Arab musical groups garnering attention in Syria and Morocco, captivating audiences across their countries and the world.
In the heart of Chefchaouen, Morocco’s city known for its blue and white walls, a remarkable transformation is underway. The Chefchaouen Hadra Sufi Band stands out as a symbol of musical empowerment. The journey of this band began by challenging the dominance of this traditional “masculine” expressions of Sufi music and making a name for themselves by performing to large audiences.
Hala Bensaid, leader and founder of Chefchaouen Hadra Music Band, helped her band overcome the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, supporting members who relied on the band for income. “During Covid-19 pandemic, the band faced financial challenges, with some girls supporting their families (…) all events were cancelled. To support artists, a fund was set up to compensate for the loss of income.”
Inspired by Rahoum El Bakkali, another prominent Chefchaouen musician, Hala Bensaid established the Chefchaouen Hadra Music Band, blending tradition with a youthful energy. She said “I was taught by Rahoum El Bakkali, leader of another prominent Chefchaouen musical group. I learned the concepts of music from her. I studied Andalusian Music for eight years and became passionate about it. I discovered that I could add to Chefchaouen Hadra so I decided to start a band with a special touch and a young spirit.”
Talking about past restrictions on women performing, Rabia El Bakkali, a 90-year-old performer and former head of band stated: “No one memorizes hadra like I do (…) In weddings, men stayed outside and women had their own special place, we did not use to sing in men’s presence or in front of them.” She also elaborated on the difference of poems that used to be sung by men and women in the past. “Men sang “I prayed To God” and “Saint, I Have a Healer,” “May God Blessings Be Upon Mohamed (Prophet)”, and “Gratitude and Praise.” There are many poems that women do not chant, stressing “The Most Merciful (God)” is only for women.
According to Bensaid, the band has gained popularity in Chefchaouen and internationally, participating in national festivals and forums. They have also gained interest among young people, and have represented Chefchaouen Hadra in events like the UNESCO Artistic Marathon and ISESCO events.
Preserving tradition while infusing modern elements, the Chefchaouen Hadra Sufi Band displays a unique blend of artistic vision and heritage, with the inclusion of the Qanun instrument which adds depth to their performances. Qanun player, teacher and member of the Band, Yousra Chahoued, declared: “I perform with this band and with others but this one is special because it is characterized by the Sufi devotional. It is also part of our heritage. I feel more comfortable when I’m playing hadra music. We play traditional music with a modern touch of the artist Hala Bensaid. The Qanun is a new addition to Hadra Chefchaouenia.”
The journey of these all-women bands exemplifies North African women breaking barriers, preserving cultural heritage, and defying challenges.