Guembri - Hajhouj - Sintir - Gnawa

(English)

Hello,

On this ad, you will find all you need for the traditionnal the north african traditionnal music called Gnawa which originates from the subsaharian africa. It has a lot in common with the Blues. They both are the manifestation of injustice, pain and escalavagism people were undergoing back in the days.

It has just been inscribed on UNESCO's intangible heritage of humanity. Focus on what is undeniably more than just a musical genre. Gnawa culture is a mixture of African rituals, Sufi traditions and trance music, above all, music.

This gem is called Guembri (Hajhouj or even Sintir). It is the main instrument in Gnawa music. It is made of a hollowed out wood (for better sound and resonance). The body is then coverd by the skin of camel's neck. It has three strings which are made of goat gut (or nylon for beginners less harming for the fingers). At the end, and in order to embellish the Guembri, some ornements are drawn with the cattle bones.

Finally, the Guembri is well known among musicians. It has succeded in adding great value when mixed with others instruments (Snarky puppy's Michael League guitar bass, Led Zepplin's Jimmy page and Robert Plant, Jacob Collier etc..)

It is by far the favorite second instrument for bass guitar players.

Marcus Miller considers it as the bass guitar's ancestor.