Morocco has embraced a wide array of musical genres, welcoming the fusion of local rhythms with global melodies. The country’s musical diversity is not only evident in the fusion of traditional instruments with modern beats, but also in the collaborative spirit that permeates the industry.
Moroccan musicians frequently collaborate with international artists, transcending borders and creating a harmonious blend that resonates globally. The openness to experimentation has led to the emergence of unique genres that blend Arabic, Berber, and African influences, contributing to Morocco’s reputation as a melting pot of musical expression. In festivals, both traditional and contemporary music find a platform and an audience.
Many foreign artists seeking inspiration, particularly those in the jazz genre, choose Morocco to showcase their works and embark upon their budding careers.
In an interview with BarlamanToday, Tatyana Trifonova, a Bulgarian jazz singer currently based in Morocco, shared insights into her musical journey, experiences in Morocco, and the challenges faced by local artists.
Trifonova’s musical roots can be traced back to Bulgaria, where she underwent 13 years of formal musical education, later becoming a seasoned performer on stage and a vocal coach. Her journey took an international turn in 2013 when she started visiting Morocco on a regular basis, where she eventually decided to take up residency in 2017 and lived there until recently.
Trifonova has collaborated with local musicians while maintaining her old-school approach to jazz. Despite her European vocal style, she emphasizes the significance of working with Moroccan musicians who infuse traditional elements into their performances.
When asked about her move to Morocco, Trifonova explained that it was initially work-related, with opportunities presented by a local manager seeking qualified musicians. However, her love for the country’s openness to diverse art forms–especially music–influenced her decision to stay.
The artist also approached incorporating Moroccan culture into her music. While she adheres to the simplicity and purity of jazz, she collaborates with local musicians who bring in traditional Moroccan elements, resulting in a fusion of semi-traditional and modern jazz.
“I cooperate with the Souissi Brothers Band, the best jazz musicians in the country. They are the ones that have made the foundation of Jazz-Gnawa fusion music,” she said.
She also expressed her admiration for the Moroccan audience’s openness to various music genres, emphasizing their appreciation for art in all its forms. Additionally, she highlighted Morocco’s cultural richness, where audiences readily embrace rock, jazz, or opera.
“Moroccan people are really open, and they like all kinds of music. If you like rock music, you will find rock fans in Morocco. If you like jazz music, you’ll find jazz fans in Morocco. If you like opera, you will find opera fans in Morocco. It’s very rich culturally for a variety of reasons, and that’s why they attend my events,” she affirmed.
The core of the musician’s musical message, especially in Morocco, revolves around finding beauty in simplicity. She aims to convey emotions through her music, reaching audiences with the power of minimalism and authentic expression.
“I make music as simple as possible and as touching as possible. The music brings tears of joy or tears of sadness depending on how well the message was transmitted,” she stated.
Trifonova unveiled the challenges faced by artists in Morocco, primarily the absence of effective management. She emphasized the importance of professional managers to support and promote local talent, pushing her to make the difficult decision to relocate temporarily for better management opportunities.
She also talked about a failed attempt to initiate a collaborative project that combined Arabic and Moroccan traditions with jazz. Financial constraints halted the project, but Tatiana expressed hope for its revival with proper funding in the future.
For Christmas, Trifonova organized a live jazz concert on Wednesday in Rabat along with pianist Nabil Senhaji and guitarist/flutist Hassan Souissi.
During the concert, you could feel the harmony of the attendees who hailed from a long list of countries such as the USA, Spain, and Ukraine. Jazz brought together music lovers regardless of language, gender, age, culture, or religious affiliation.
People from all walks of life congregated, sharing in the awesomeness of the vibrant melodies and rhythms. The audience sang and danced, creating a collective energy that filled the room.
“The idea for this year’s concert actually came from my students, as they are used to having such concerts every year. Since I was coming back to Morocco, I suggested that we use the beautiful program from last year and create something even more beautiful and warm for those who celebrate Christmas in Morocco, as Morocco celebrates all holidays,” Trifonova told BarlamanToday. “This is a great opportunity to bring people together through music.”
When Moroccan pianist Souissi was asked about the circumstances under which he met Trifonova, he said that he and his two brothers met the Bulgarian singer a few years ago when she came to Morocco. From that point on, they developed a strong professional relationship with her.
“When she came to Morocco, she found us because we had a small reputation in the field of jazz in Morocco. Since then, we have played many concerts, and this event is about Christmas,” said Souissi.
“I found it very pleasant because this time of the year creates a special atmosphere, especially with so many families present, including children participating in the performance, which makes it a very special ambiance. It feels like being part of a large family, even though I am alone in Morocco and my family is abroad,” said a Spanish attendee.
He noted that the flutist and the piano player are both Moroccan, and they are extremely talented performers of jazz music, adding that even though jazz music tends to appeal largely to its own clique of connoisseurs, it belongs to everybody who loves it, and that includes many Moroccans and Spaniards.
“It was all about the classics. I am American, the songs are very well-known and very close to my heart. It was great to see them brought to life by such talented musicians,” said an American concertgoer.