Proving that music is indeed a bearer of a sublime message of living together, as the members of this group are from different backgrounds, but express in a single harmony a single human aspiration.
The Scottish troupe "Scotch on the rocks" will open the ball for the fourth edition of the Merzouga International Festival, which will take place from April 7 to 11, under the banner: "For Tolerance and Peace," the organizers announced.
Through this choice, the Sahrawi Association for Tourism and Cultural Development intends to prove that music is indeed a bearer of a sublime message of living together, as the members of this group are from different backgrounds, but express in a single harmony a single human aspiration.
From Scotland, England, and Ireland, the musicians of this group already reflect the idea of difference, but also the principle of being able to cohabit, coexist, but above all to work together for the benefit of the human race. Having in common the advantage of having accumulated a wide range of expertise in the field of bagpipe music, the members of the group thus convey a single vision, that of peace and tolerance.
This group, which plays both traditional and modern-contemporary music, is led by the great bagpiper Alex McGrotty, from Glasgow. This passionate musician also plays the Irish version of the bagpipes and learns Scottish and Irish rhythms.
Charles, Calum, and Tom have different backgrounds and careers, as rich as they are varied. They all started learning the bagpipes at an early age, often under the tutelage of great masters in the field. Their musical knowledge has been enriched by higher academic courses and lessons.
The Merzouga International Festival aims to promote the region by focusing on its tourist, natural, human, and cultural potential, including artistic expressions such as the Ahidous of the Aït Khebbach and the art of Gnaoua.
The program for this edition also includes public musical concerts in the dunes, musical workshops featuring fusions between different world rhythms, the Gnaoua symphony, as well as conferences centered on "Tolerance and Peace," "Sahrawi Tourism," and "Music as a sign of universal belonging."
As for side events, the Festival plans, in addition to a tasting ceremony presenting the assets and mysteries of Moroccan gastronomy, an exhibition of local products dedicated to associations in the region, an exhibition of works of art by artists from the region and international artists, a football tournament played on a sand pitch, a pétanque tournament in the presence of known and recognized champions, and a sand marathon.
Dozens of artists from several countries will take part in this 4th edition, namely Ireland, Senegal, France, Spain, Ivory Coast, Italy, Mali, Great Britain, and Congo. The artistic programming, which will be filled with artists and troupes from elsewhere, will be well marked by national and regional participation, notably the Gnaoua Khamlia and Gnaoua Merzouga troupes.
Among the distinguished participants of this edition are the French troupe Sagazic, the Duo Sistorms (France-Morocco-Spain), the banda Morisca (Spain, France, Mali), Scotch on the rocks (Scotland, GB, Ireland), as well as authentic local artists, such as Mâllam Gnaoui Zayd and Mouloud Meskaoui, etc.
