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Aita, meaning call or lament, is a centuries old musical genre and form introduced by the Arab tribes that settled in the Moroccan countryside. The music is not only a rallying of the local communities, it is also a poetic gesture of lamentation. The singers, usually female (Cheikhates), riff on a vast array of subjects, from specific social and political issues to more abstract existential cries.
Although the music is considered fringe both in its form and reputation, it is probably the most ubiquitous and listened to popular genre. One can hear Aita being played at Moussems (folk festivals), weddings, big social events, night clubs, cabarets, small underground dive bars, and on public television and radio channels. Due to its richness, Aita has not only contributed in influencing the popular music scene, it has also become the main school for many Chaabi stars, virtually a rite of passage.
As denoted by the title "Cheikh," Ali El Maachi was a master of the Aita and recorded and performed with many Cheikhates. On this tape, he's accompanied by two Cheikhates that sing and improvise over some of the great standards of the Aita repertoire. Unfortunately, the singers' names are not listed and the quality of the recording makes it particularly hard to recognize any of the voices. If any of you Aita experts recognize the singers, please comment below. Thanks.
Tape Contribution: Jesse Kenas Collins
SIDE A
Chalini (الشاليني)
Aita Bidaouia (عيطة بيضاوية)
SIDE B
Saken Gharbaoui (الساكن غرباوي)
LABEL
Sawt Lahbak (صوت لحباق)
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Steven
August 2, `20 at 12:28 (EST)
Thanks for these Jesse!