“A healing encounter” with the Master Musicians of Joujouka – The Arts Desk report on June festival

Master Musicians of Joujouka, June 2024 – photo by Syd Howells

WOMAD founder Mark Kidel reports from the June edition of the festival in the village for The Arts Desk.

A report on the June edition of the Master Musicians of Joujouka festival has been published in The Arts Desk.

“Ancient Sufi music works its eternal magic,” said WOMAD founder Mark Kidel in his report, which can be read in full here.

Kidel writes: “The Master Musicians of Joujouka play music that’s centuries-old, not as folk revivalists, but in a living tradition that offers healing and transformation as well as sublime entertainment.

“For three days in June, the 50 ticket-holders are hosted by the musicians’ families, served delicious home-cooked meals, and welcomed with the warm hospitality typical of the Maghreb.

“As festival organiser Frank Rynne explains, “I don’t tell them when to play. They do it whenever they feel like, and for as long as they like.” For those who like the comfort of a pre-arranged schedule, for music or eating, this can be a little unsettling. But this is the way, as anyone who’s spent any time on Morocco will know. You have to enjoy going with the flow.

“For this is music about letting go, the pre-requisite for good psychological and physical health.

“The Master Musicians produce exquisitely crafted music, as intricate and beautiful as the zelij tilework that runs through Islamic architecture, calibrated to release the mind and body, and ultimately to heal.”

The festival scheduled for 23-25 May 2025 is now sold out. Please email joujouka@gmail.com to be added for waiting list for a potential second festival, or late places if they become available.

Contact numbers for Master Musicians of Joujouka 7-9 June festival guests

Master Musicians of Joujouka Festival, May 2024 © Fadel Senna / AFP

Master Musicians of Joujouka festival 7-9 June 2024.

The Master Musicians of Joujouka host the second of two festivals in their village over the summer this weekend 7-9 June.

Guests should by now have confirmed their anticipated arrival time at Ksar El Kebir train station for taxi shuttle to the village on Friday, 7th June.

Festival organisers can be contacted on +212 6 76 29 39 44 (Moroccan number) and +33667541483 (for WhatsApp).

The Master Musicians and their families look forward to welcoming guests to experience life in the village for three days and nights and a full immersion into the Joujouka experience.

For more information email joujouka@gmail.com

More information about the festival at here

Watch TV report on the Master Musicians of Joujouka festival

Master Musicians of Joujouka Festival, May 2024 © Fadel Senna / AFP

Film report from May edition of the Master Musicians’ festival in their village.

The Master Musicians of Joujouka filmed live at their festival in the village recently is reported by French broadcaster TV5 Monde.

The film features live performance and interviews with Mohamed El Hatmi, also known as the dancer Boujeloud, and Master Musicians of Joujouka manager Frank Rynne.

The report published by TV5 Monde said: “Chaque année, un festival confidentiel attire des passionnés du monde entier dans les montagnes marocaines, où ils peuvent entendre résonner le Joujouka, une musique millénaire aux influences soufies.”

Translation: “Every year, a confidential festival attracts enthusiasts from all over the world to the Moroccan mountains, where they can hear the sound of Joujouka, an age-old music with Sufi influences.”

Watch the video report here via TV5 Monde

Read more reports from the Master Musicians of Joujouka festival here

The Master Musicians of Joujouka have announced details of next year’s festival in the village scheduled for 23-25 May 2025. For more information and to book click here

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