Reviving Cultural Roots through Music: Exploring the Impact of Moroccan Music on the Moroccan Jewish Community in the Diaspora
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18533/jah.v12i06.2389Keywords:
Diaspora, Moroccan Jewish community, Tamaghrabit, Identity, individual and collective narratives.Abstract
Throughout history, music has served as a significant medium for recording diverse narratives and expressing the needs, aspirations, and experiences of individuals and groups. This article examines the multifaceted roles of music within the context of diaspora, focusing specifically on the Moroccan Jewish community. By delving into the experiences of five prominent Moroccan Jewish artists who are members of this community, this study sheds light on the profound ways in which Moroccan music bridges the past and present, reconnects individuals and groups with their sociocultural roots, and firmly affirms both individual and collective identities. Drawing from a qualitative research approach that leverages semi-structured interviews with these prominent Moroccan Jewish artists, this research uncovers how Moroccan music, in its various forms, operates as a powerful tool for asserting identity, transmitting and preserving culture, and ensuring generational continuity within the diaspora. The content analysis of these interviews identifies five main themes that elucidate the intricate roles of music in this context: cultural and emotional connection, cognitive connection, the significance of sonic narratives, the role of textual and linguistic narratives, and the importance of Andalusian and Malhoune music.
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