Essaouira:
The Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira
Festival d´Essaouira Gnaoua Musique du monde
(15 e Edition)
21 - 24 June 2012
"Now in its 14th year, the Essaouira Festival is largely dedicated to the North African Gnawa style of music, which combines trance-like rhythms with hypnotic bass lines. Traditionally used in healing rites and celebratory events, it has been known to send listeners into rapturous spasms. In addition to Gnawa, the festival also features a host of jazz, blues and rock artists, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Performers this year include Salif Keita and Ribab Fusion."
Rolling Stone Middle East by RS Staff June 23, 2011
To view video of 2011 festival, click here: http://www.essaouira.nu/calendar_festival_gnaoua.htm