The New Voices of Mauritania Mauritania remains one of few places in the world where traditional music is better-supported and more profitable than contemporary music. However, there are artists like Noura Mint Seymali who are exploring both traditional and modern forms of musc. She is carving out a style that is locally referred to as “tradi-moderne” music, warming up crowds by playing ardin accompanied by the usual ensemble of tidnit and tbal, followed by a modern rhythm section. Her unique fusions appeal to both traditionalists who want to experience new music forms, as well as younger audiences who want to connect with their Mauritanian roots. Medeh is another form of Mauritanian music performed only by the Haratin. It is categorized by traditional Sub-Saharan drumming and represents the voice of a marginalized minority. The musical content is strictly religious and can be compared to American Gospel and Haitian Voodoo. With the introduction of the electric guitar to the Sahara, a new popular style called jakwar was adapted and expanded across the desert. This music is popular among the Tuareg (nomads of the Sahara), and, due to its fairly complex rhythm, very few musicians are skilled at playing it. Popular music like rap has found its way recently into Mauritania’s culture. Rap music was not a welcome choice in Mauritania’s traditional cultural environment, but it has become popular among the youth who wish to express their desire to transform the traditional caste bound culture and address Mauritania’s cultural development needs.
Posted on: Tue, 24 Sep 2013 22:06:37 +0000