© All rights reserved
|
Rhoum El Bakkali Choir
Sufi tradition of Hadra Chefchaounia Morocco (Chefchaouen) At the foot of the Rif, a mountainous region covered with cedar trees, Jbala stretches. The small holy city of Chefchaouen, which means in Berber "horns" because of the rocky peaks that dominate it, is the center of a rich musical and poetic heritage. One of its most remarkable expressions crystallized in the form of a Hadra (literally "presence" or "place of retirement"), descendant of the prestigious line of Bekkaliya where each generation of Sufi masters enriched the poetic heritage. Hadra focuses on the dhikr, invocations, intonations or recitations. It can sometimes pave the way for the disciple towards wajd (ecstasy), which testify the divine illumination. Passed the initiated circle, these praises are dedicated to be heard at moussem (spiritual festivities), and especially at the Mouloud, Prophet’s birth anniversary. It is said that in the sixteenth century, the Sainte Lalla Hiba Bekkaliya, attached to the Zaouia of the village Douar Haraïk had founded a Hadra composed exclusively of young women; a tradition that continued until the present days... And actually, once listened to Rhoum El Bakkali and her "sisters of authentic art," it is difficult to doubt. Daughter and heiress of a local sheikh, diploma in Arab-Andalusian music, Rhoum El Bakkali is dedicated to the transmission. The companions of Hadra, aged 17-29 years, meet three times a week to practice, in the traditional costumes, as much as to train their voices. Rhoum revives the aesthetics of the traditional Sufi repertory and the embroideries of the songs samaa, the classic and stylish heritage. Hadra of the women of Chefchaouen fascinates also by its attractive melodies and the strength of its poetic texts, as the gleaming white of djellabas and beauty of its choreographic form. Opening with a slow and stately tempo, it gradually integrates rhythmic movements that reach the peak in a kind of sparkle, which incorporates even the mind. With Rhoum El Bakkali, leader, vocals Khouloude Aoualad Haidour Dalal Barnoussi Hala Ben Said Loubna Ben Said Ferdaousse Bouabid Najia Chliah Bouschra El Amrani Yousra El Boukrage Majda Ghalouli Hanaa Imrani Houda M'Khimar Houda Ressouni Ahmed Mouhibe, management |