30 Days: Magical Old Medina, Essaouira, Morocco 2024 Ep 1

The Old Medina of Essaouira is magical! The longer one stays, the stronger its magic. A day trip, while fun, will not tell its story. Walking along the small streets and alleyways in the evenings, one hears Indigenous Gnaoua music from community gatherings, cafes, and rooftop restaurants. Within its walls live Gnaoua Maâlems and Guembri makers. Lilas, spiritual ceremonies, are part of community life. We came originally in 2019 and met lifetime friends featured in this video: Hassan Larousi, Anas Khermori, and Maâlem Said Bounono. In 2024, Anas introduced us to Maâlem Chrif Kadiri and Mali Kora player/musician Baba Diabatê. These are fabulous Indigenous musicians! We produced 4 albums and recorded, mixed, and mastered 3 during our stay. Studio Migdol Music recorded, mixed, and mastered the Maâlem Chrif Kadiri album. Amine Ganawi is a Koyo singer and dancer and played backup vocals and percussion on the 3 Gnaoua albums. Anas Khermori also played backup vocals and percussion on the Maâlem Chrif Kadiri album and supported production of Baba Diabaté's album. Music is a universal language, and this culture in the Old Medina draws musicians, lovers of music, and artists from around the world. The Old Medina is also home to artisans of all kinds! Here live tailors, woodworkers, shoemakers, and producers of essential oils. The bakeries, restaurants, and vendors fulfill the appetites of visitors. Within the 18th-century seafront ramparts and walls of the Medina can also be found the old ways of living that are still common in daily life. One example is the traditional Amazigh Pharmacy, which we visited so often that we did a separate video on NullaCruising. The local culture of the community in the Old Medina is seen in their relationships and greetings to one another, and care of their famous cats and the fewer in number dogs. The unleashed and well-fed animals reflect a gentle and caring culture lost to many other places we have seen worldwide. Shukran to all our brothers and good friends in Essaouira! We share our experience and hope you enjoy the magic, people, and colors of the Old Medina of Essaouira. @nullacruising