A vibrant posthumous tribute to Mahmoud Guinea and Doudou N'diaye Rose

Colourful, moving, and unforgettable, the opening of the Gnaoua Festival of Essaouira, World Music, celebrated on 12 May, was simply exceptional. After the usual parade where musicians and Gnaoua troupes from Morocco mingled with a crowd amazed by this giant carnival, the public danced to the rhythms of the masters: Mahmoud Guinea and Doudou N'diaye Rose.In opening the 19th edition of the Gnaoua Festival of Essaouira, World Music, a vibrant posthumous tribute was paid to the undisputed master of the guembri, Mahmoud Guinea, and to the Senegalese drum magician, Doudou N’diaye Rose. Their souls hovered over the Moulay Hassan square in Essaouira thanks to a residency of their children and family in communion. The public could not resist the sounds of Senegalese drums mixed with the notes of Gnaoua instruments. Endowed with great precision and a rare talent, the heirs of the two artists tra…