In this episode of the Echoes podcast, Ahmed Tayel hosts Fattah Abbou, a lecturer in Amazigh music in the United States, who shares his insights into the vibrant culture of the Amazigh, integral to Morocco’s diverse heritage. Abbou explores the historical and cultural dimensions of the Amazigh people, emphasizing their deeply rooted traditions and their continued importance in determining the identity of Morocco. Knowledgeable about Amazigh music and culture, Abbou presents to the audiences what this culture means and a fresh view of how it has relevance in the world today.
Abbou takes a little dip into history and explains the profound meaning behind the word “Imazighen,” or the identity and resilience of the people. He explains the geographical spread of the Amazigh community, from regions that enrich their culture through interactions with varied landscapes and influences. From the Atlas Mountains to the coastal areas of Morocco, Abbou paints a vivid picture of how the natural environment and historical events form the Amazigh way of life to foster customs, traditions, and values reflective of harmony, adaptability, and pride in their heritage. Viewers are taken on a journey into culture when Abbou recounts the play of events through generations that have defined what Amazigh identity is.
The music, according to him, serves as one of the vessels of continuity and change—along with the language and some community practices—to make Amazigh culture lively and current. Through Abbou’s expertise, the podcast calls on audiences to walk further into a deeper understanding of this rich endeavor by exploring the beauty of the Amazigh traditions and their great contribution to Morocco’s cultural diversity.
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