The name of black American singer James Brown is legendary. Its impact on all world music is priceless. For the Gnawa of Morocco, James Brown is a model “Mallam”, an undisputed master. On the one hand he was a priest of the Gospel Church whose art is to put his audience in a trance by transporting song and rhythms. On the other hand, James Brown was committed to awareness of the culture of the African American community, its social, educational and spiritual needs. Musically, James Brown put the bass sound first, and dancing is an integral part of the design of each composition. These elements constitute for the Gnawa fundamental principles of their culture, which highlights all these aspects representing for them their purely African heritage.
It is interesting to see how this Muslim religious community, which for the most part does not speak English, considers itself to be one family in sensitivity. James Brown does not need to be translated for them. Her rhythmic and emotional vocal approach goes straight to the heart of the message of the Gnawa community as the ambassador of Africa in her own gaze.
One of the great Mallam Gnawi of Essaouira Abdallah Gania was very attached to the music of James Brown. He often said that even 500 years into the future, people would still listen to James Brown’s music, and without seeing his picture they would know he was Black. It was the greatest compliment to him.
James Brown seen by the Gnawa of Morocco
