Joudour Sahara Music Program

M'Hamid El Ghizlane, Morocco

100 students

23 staff

Since 2016

Located on the last oasis town in the historic southern Draa Valley in southeastern Morocco, Joudour Sahara engages over 100 youth every week as well as hundreds of musicians from the region on a regular basis. Modern music activities typically reach youth from M’hamid and from Tagounite, while traditional music activities include more than 80 youth from more than 10 villages. There are no such activities offered elsewhere in southeastern Morocco, and due to the extraordinary efforts of our team, we are able to realize positive change in M’hamid El Ghizlane and beyond.

We offer weekly classes in guitar, percussion, vocals, ensemble performance, and the traditional styles of Ahidous, Gnawa, Rokba, Akalal, and Chamra. Joudour Sahara has become a leader in M’hamid El Ghizlane in providing access for girls to participate in social and cultural activities.

We offer weekly classes in guitar, percussion, vocals, ensemble performance, and the traditional styles of Ahidous, Gnawa, Rokba, Akalal, and Chamra. Joudour Sahara has become a leader in M’hamid El Ghizlane in providing access for girls to participate in social and cultural activities.

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VIDEO OVERVIEW: TAKE A VISIT AT THE SCHOOL

Life in the community

For the residents of M’hamid, life is defined by the desert and the oasis. A rich cultural diversity exists here and throughout the region due to the migration of tribes from different parts of Africa and the Arab world centuries ago, mixing with the indigenous Amazigh population. These tribes proudly pass down their traditions and lifestyles, and an environment of peace and tolerance is a fundamental aspect of the community, entrenched among the locals over a long period of time.

Traditional music

150 musicians engaged regularly

Mobile recording studio

Environemental projects

FEATURED STORIES

Architecture at Joudour Sahara

The Joudour Sahara Music Program in M’hamid El Ghizlane, Morocco has entered a new phase of creating positive change in the Sahara Desert. Award-winning Moroccan architect Aziza Chaouni has designed state-of-the-art cultural and environmental facilities that respond to the great needs of the region.

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VIDEOS

watch Joudour Sahara in action
  • Traditional Gnawa classes at Joudour Sahara
  • Joudour Sahara Video Overview
  • Joudour Sahara Students and Roberto Luti - Recording session at...
  • Meet with Naji, Music student in Morocco
  • Traditional Music Transmission at Joudour Sahara
  • Joudour Sahara IMC Overview
  • Meet with Thomas, program coordinator in Morocco
  • From Mississippi to the Saharan Desert
  • Cultural Preservation at Joudour Sahara
  • Meet with Chaimae | Joudour Sahara Music program, Morocco
  • "Sbah Allah", a song by Kasem Jardouj, music teacher...
  • Traditional Songs for the Younger Generation - Joudour Sahara
  • BUILDING SUCCESS
  • Meet with the music students at the Joudour Sahara music...
  • The Joudour Sahara Music Program
Visit joudoursahara.org

Discover the full scope of our work

M'HAMID EL GHIZLANE ON A MAP

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