A museum of Andalusian music in Casablanca

The choice of the mansion that has been restored is no accident. "We chose this area because it is visited by many tourists who want to know more about Andalusian music and to take part in safeguarding Moroccan identity," says El Jamai Mouada, Vice-President of the Association of Andalusian music lovers. This association was created in 1958 and continues its efforts to perpetuate Arab-Andalusian music. After Fes, The association has opened its second museum in Casablanca. "This project is the result of actions initiated by the association and several donors have contributed to the restoration of the house," says El Jamai. Some 3 million dirhams was invested by the corporation for the acquisition of the house and its transformation into a museum. The house is now a fitting base for the conservation and promotion of the heritage of Arab-Andalusian music.

The museum, built on 300 m2, will host musical events, exhibitions and conferences, an art gallery for exhibitions of photographs of famous composers and authors of Andalusian music and ancient manuscripts. Similarly, it will house several rooms for screenings and learning Sama and the chanting of the Koran. The Sama art of sacred song, and will be taught in a zaouia housed in the mansion.
In addition, the museum remains open to the public as well for the visit for training. To receive the training, those interested can register for a nominal amount. "Our desire is to restore the memory by focusing our actions on learning and research," says El Jamai. The Association of Andalusian music lovers is in discussion with the Faculty of Letters of Casablanca to create a section devoted to music researcht to promote research on the preservation of traditional instruments and the Arab-Andalusian heritage.

L'Economiste