Master Musicians of Joujouka
Morocco's legendary trance music
Brian Jones festival a huge success – First report
The excitement had died down in Joujouka this morning as the Master Musicians relaxed after a sleepless week. The last guests, two Land Rovers from the film crew got safely placed on their articulated truck by Mark at Ksar El Kebir yesterday afternoon.
On last Saturday a wedding took place in Joujouka and the Master played until dawn. Sunday saw the arrival of the first journalist, as well as sound engineer Dave Slevin, a film crew, plus director Daragh McCarthy and the first guests.
On Monday the guest of honour, Anita Pallenberg, arrived, accompanied by John Dunbar and James Birch. They were accommodated by Hamed El Attar in the house where Brian Jones stayed when he was in Joujouka on 29th July 1968.
Mallim Ali Attar joined the Masters each morning. At 94 he is the oldest musician in the village; he recalled Brian Gysin and Brian Jones to the delight of all.
On Tuesday morning the sheep were killed for the feasts at the Mosque and the guesthouse. At 9am Kalil the festival driver began ferrying guests from Ksar El Kebir. The first performance of the day took place in a large tent at the musicians’ new guest house.
After lunch everyone visited the sanctuary of Sidi Ahmed Schiech and made donations at his tomb.
Relatives of the Mujdoubie brothers, Mallim Fudal, and all the old Masters of the Brian Jones period attended for the feasts and the festival.
After midnight everyone made their way to the ancient stage, a stone in the centre of the village, where the Masters played for hours non-stop. The Aishas and Boujeloud joined them and danced the night away.
©Joep Bremmers 2008
More photos in the Photos section and on our MySpace Festival blog
Thanks to everyone who came, to everyone who helped especially Jaouad Hilali, Yvonne-Marie Rogez, the Association for Co Operation and Development Sidi Ahmed Sherk de Zahjouka, and the Caid at Tatoft.
A special thanks to all the people of Joujouka who made the festival possible.