Outside of Essaouira and before that were made famous, the gnawa were considered as public entertainers and artists. Only in Morocco, the gnawa music is also performed by women’s groups in Essaouira (called Mqadamate, Maalem female). His music is played with darbukas, trays of metal and sometimes with krakeb, although the gambra is no longer used. His clothes resemble those of men and their dances are consistent with that kind of ritual. This type of music exist, with certain differences, in Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt and Libya, with names specific in each of those countries. However, unlike in Morocco, where there is information enough precise, different types of gnawa in these countries glimpse many grey areas and they have multiple variants, historical, cultural or social.
The gnawa rites are surrounded by an element of mystery and access to lilas, the syncretic ritual of possession, still remain private. Many traditions of Moroccan music and musics of the world, such as the jazz fusion, rap, the chaabi or the I root, they have hosted the inspiration of this musical heritage gnawa to enrich their work. Thus, large classic Moroccans as Allaah, Allah Moulana appear in many compositions. If they want to live first hand gnawa music, come to Marrakech or Essaouira and enjoy this magnificent musical heritage. Many riads in Marrakesh are veiled in traditional music, as well as a multitude of Marrakech hotels and riads in Essaouira, where you can enjoy the Festival Gnawa and world music, the most important gnawa event of the planet.