Berber Music (Paperback)

High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles The Berbers are an ethnic group in North and West Africa. They have been in existence since around 3000 B.C. Before the 7th century A.D., the Berber people lived in areas stretching from Egypt to the Atlantic Ocean. But during the 7th century A.D. the Arab people invaded Africa, pushing the Berbers toward the Sahara and influencing the people with their Muslim beliefs. Today most Berbers live in Morocco, making up 40% of their population, and Algeria, making up nearly 30% of their population. Morocco is home to one of the Berber's most famous musicians, Najat Aatabou. The kinds of music are widely varying across the area they inhabit, but is best known for its place in Moroccan music, the popular Kabylian and chawi music of Algeria and the widespread Tuareg music of Algeria, Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali. At one time, percussive Berber music was only heard in its community during celebrations and such. Now the music is being rediscovered not only in Northern Africa, but all over the world due to its involvment in concerts and playing time on the radio. Though Berber dance traditions are hard to find, they still exist in Northeastern Africa.