Guedra Songs and Dance

The Guedra dance is a festive art form practiced by the inhabitants of the arid and semi-arid regions around Oued Noun in the province of Guelmim. It is also prevalent among certain tribes residing in Jbel Bani in the province of Tata and M’Hamid El Ghizlane in the province of Zagora, where it is known as Shemra. This dance is typically found in regions where Hassani culture dominates, with the exception of Taghjijt, where Tamazight is spoken daily. However, the fact that some of its inhabitants perform this dance using the Hassani dialect highlights the pivotal role of this art in strengthening social and artistic ties among the local people. The name of this art form is derived from its main percussion instrument, a metal or earthenware pot covered with a taut goatskin membrane. Various rhythms are produced by drumming the goatskin with two wooden sticks, known as mghazel. During the performance, a circle of men kneel around the leader, called ngar, who plays the Guedra instrument. The performance also includes singing traditional songs, known as hammayat, which create an entertaining and lively atmosphere. A woman enters the circle and performs graceful choreographic movements with her hands, synchronised with the men’s singing and clapping. Beyond entertainment, the Guedra dance plays a significant role in strengthening social bonds among nomads. These performances provide an opportunity for artists to gather, foster connections, and serve as an occasion for marriage seekers to meet and get to know one another.