One of my favorite hobbies is collecting CDs. But nowadays this hobby could be considered more of an addiction, as every time I see a shop that is selling CDs I have to enter and buy one. Of course, the CDs are put to good use, as I always keep my CD case close, in case I want to tune into some jams in the car or at home with my boombox.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t bring my CD case out to Morocco with me, but this still hasn’t stopped me from purchasing some new CDs for my collection back home. It seems with every city I have traveled to I have been able to buy a new one. I feel that with every CD there is also a story, as the music takes me back to where I originally bought it.

The eclectic collection of CDs I have found so far in Morocco is a testament to the diversity of culture that is in Morocco. With every location I have visited it is a different musical experience.

The album covers of the CDs I have purchased from Morocco. Photo Credit: Baldwin, 2023

So far, I have been have bought four CDs from four different corners of the country.

This CD was one that I picked up in Tangier from a shop tucked away in a hole in the wall. Inside there were stacks and stacks of CDs from all over the world, American, Latin America and more, but the one I was interested in was the Maghreb Sound System.
I asked him if there was one from Morocco that was “the best” and after fishing around in the back for a bit of time he pulled out a CD that had an album cover of a man punching directly toward you. He told me “this has everything you are looking for and more.” So, I bought the CD and after that we had a lively discussion on the production of CDs in Morocco. He told me that very rarely are CDs actually produced in Morocco, for example the one that was bought was produced in Europe.
The music in the CD is a lively compilation of more modern Moroccan sound with a pop/funk spin. These songs are sure to get you out of your seat and dancing, whether doing traditional Moroccan dance or something you might see in an American club.
This CD I picked up on our way heading to Zawiya Ahansal in a nearby town called Beni-Mellal. It was when we stopped at a gas station that I noticed the CD and recognized the band from a documentary I had watched on one of my first nights staying with my host family.
Many people in Morocco will recognize the band Nass El Ghiwane if you bring it up to them. At least that was the case with my host family who told me that it was their favorite band when they were young.
Nass El Ghiwane was formed in 1970 and was an instant hit with their use of traditional Moroccan instruments while also using American instruments such as the banjo. Their music is filled with strong lyrics that talk about the politics of Morocco and more. Because of the power in their music, they influenced a cultural revolution that had many listeners thinking more deeply about their government and what they want from the world.
I strongly recommend listening to this band if you are interested in the culture of Morocco or watching their documentary “Trances” which talks about the lives of Nass El Ghiwane.
I picked up this CD while I was in Merzouga exploring the desert with my language partner. This music is culturally rich and includes many traditional Moroccan instruments including the guembri and the qraqeb.
This music originated from Sub-Saharan Africa by the Gnawa people, an ethnic group that was native to the region and were brought to Morocco as slaves. But since their liberation in the 16th century the music has been a staple in Moroccan culture.
Gnawa music is said to have healing properties and mystical elements. Many times, when people are feeling unwell, they will listen to Gnawa in a way to make themselves feel better. The music is also used in religious practice as it is said to bring people closer to God and can deliver people to a different realm if played to perfection.
This CD I bought over spring break when I traveled with my host family to the city of Ait Baha, which is about an hour and a half outside of Agadir, a southern coastal city. I bought this inside of a shop that was selling CD's and at this point my language was getting better and I asked him, “which CD is your favorite?” And he proceeded to grab this one and play it for me.
Grout is an American who was born in Boston but married a Moroccan man and fell in love with the culture. And although she is American, do not be fooled as she is a popular singer in Morocco who sings traditional Moroccan and Amazigh music. She is currently touring and performing, and her career has become quite popular, as even some of the workers at Amideast recognized her name when I brought her up.
Personally, it is kind of surreal hearing this incredible success story of someone from America who became a Moroccan celebrity. Her music is very good, and she has a powerful voice. I recommend giving her a listen if you are interested in her story or in hearing what traditional Amazigh music is like.

In conclusion, I think music is a fantastic way to connect with the culture of your host country. I strongly recommend going out, meeting people in CD shops, and getting to learn about their favorite music because the stories of the music are incredible, and you can learn more about your host country as well. And who knows you might even find your next favorite band!

Connor Baldwin is a student at Marquette University and is studying abroad on the Amideast Area and Arabic Studies Program in Rabat, Morocco this spring 2023.