The Dance and Singing of Aït Baamran A’wad

The Aït Baamran A’wad is an art form that encompasses fife playing, poetic recitation, dancing, and singing. Its name is derived from l’awad, meaning the fife, which is the primary instrument used in this type of music. The Aït Baamran tribes, residing in the regions of Sidi Ifni and Guelmim – Oued Noun, are renowned for this art and practice it at all religious, national, seasonal, and social events. Similarly, this art is common among tribes inhabiting the coastline extending northward to the Ihahane tribe in the province of Essaouira. However, each tribe exhibits distinct artistic features in their practice of the A’wad dance, also known as Ahiad. The art of A’wad is intrinsically tied to herding as both an economic and social activity. The fife is often a leaing tool for herders, who are usually the most skilled players due to the significant time they spend practising and creating tunes while tending to their flocks. An A’wad troupe consists of over thirty performers, including fifers, drummers, dancers, poets, and a bandleader who stands at the centre, organising the dance sequences. The A’wad performance begins with an introduction of diverse musical clips, followed by dance moves characterised by intricate footwork and rhythmic clapping. The performance concludes with prayers, reflecting the Sufi aspects of this traditional folk art.