The music and the dancers

What the listing promises

The listing we reviewed refers to live Moroccan music and dancers during dinner, with music from about 8:00 PM and dancers around 8:30–9:00 PM. It does not publish a set list or name the performers, so we can only describe the genre, not a fixed programme.

To see where the music fits in the night, read the evening step by step; for the setting, see the history of Dar Essalam.

Gnawa music in short

Gnawa music is a Moroccan tradition with roots in sub-Saharan Africa. It is closely tied to a spiritual ritual known as the lila. UNESCO inscribed Gnawa on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on 12 December 2019.

• Guembri (also spelled sintir): a three-string bass lute that carries the groove.
• Qraqeb: large iron castanets that give the music its metallic rhythm.
• Call and response: a lead voice with a chorus, repeated and layered.

In a restaurant, not a ritual

A dinner-show performance is a staged introduction to the sound, not a lila. Many travellers like it for that reason, since it is short and easy to follow. If Gnawa interests you, a separate concert or festival gives a fuller picture.

The dancers

Dancers appear between courses in the listing’s timeline. We did not find a published description of their style or costumes, so we do not describe them here beyond the timing. Reviews describe the atmosphere as festive and lively.

Etiquette

• Ask before filming performers at close range, and avoid flash.
• If a musician offers a photo, it is polite to leave a small tip.
• Keep conversation low during songs; the room is lively but the music is the point.

Frequently asked questions