The Saharawi Medej

08/12/2005 05:49AM

Mariem Hassan, Jeirana, Faknash, Shueta and Nayim

Medej (Nubenegra, 2004)

Spain’s Nubenegra continues to explore the sounds of the Saharawi people. Sadly, most Saharawi musicians live displaced from their homeland, living as refugees in Algeria or Spain.

Medej, subtitled Cantos antiguos Saharahuis (Ancient Saharawi Songs) centers on the spiritual tradition from the Western Sahara. The Saharawi songs on Medej are performed in Hassanía, the language of the Saharawi people. Musically, the Medej abides by the rules of the haul, with well organized modes and rhythms.

Medej features some of the best voices of the Saharawi exile, like Jeirana, Faknash and Mariem Hassan. Master musician Nayim Alal provides some of the musical accompaniment, on tidinit, electric guitars and bass.

[Buy Medej]

World Music Central
http://www.worldmusiccentral.org/article.php/20050810084914272