Fez Festival of Sufi Culture - Day Three

The theme of the third afternoon was The Spiritual Culture of Africa and featured Tijani Sacred Songs with Daouda Dieye. After an introduction by Faouzi Skali, Daouda Dieye captivated the crowd with a free flowing monologue punctuated by some wonderful vocal work and beautiful rhythmic kora playing.

Then it was the turn of the women and when Aoua Bocar Ly-Tall and Salamatou Sow made their way to the stage, Salamatou gave a very powerful address. She is a researcher at the University of Niamey in Niger, working to promote knowledge of and to preserve the culture of the Peul people who are found all over central and West Africa. Salamatou was followed by Aoua who is a sociologist and founding president of the African Women's Network. The two women are renowned for their strong stance on the role of women and a rejection of all forms of racism. They did not disappoint.

All Africans together: Faouzi Skali, Salamatou Sow and Aoua Bocar Ly-Tall

The crowd were appreciative of the women's contribution

The Tijani master kora player - Daouda Dieye

French senator, Dominique Voynet, with Faouzi Skali

A nice touch - mint tea for all.

The Tijania Sufi Order, named for its founder Sheikh Sidi Ahmed Attijani whose mausoleum is in Fez, is described as "one of the most radiant pathways". It has flourished throughout Morocco since the late 18th century. During the 19th century, the Tijania way spread throughout central and northern Africa.

You can read the The View from Fez story about this group here. One odd thing that was remarked upon by several audience members at the afternoon concert was the absence of local Tijani followers. This was strange, given the strong support for the Tijania here in Fez.

Photographs: Sandy McCutcheon

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