The Guembri : the Heartbeat of Gnawa Music
The Guembri is a traditional three-stringed instrument with profound cultural significance in Morocco. Often considered the soul of Gnawa music, it is sometimes compared to the bass guitar in modern music due to its deep, resonant tones. For centuries, the Guembri has been a cornerstone of Gnawa rituals and traditions, carrying the spirit of the Gnawa community—descendants of West African slaves who brought their rich musical heritage to Morocco.
Essaouira is renowned for its Gnawa music scene and has become a magnet for tourists and music lovers from all over the world, eager to discover the art, soul, and lifestyle of the Gnawa people.
About Your experience
Build Your Guembri with a Skilled Gnawa Instrument Maker
This workshop offers a rare and authentic opportunity: crafting your own Guembri under the guidance of Maâlem (Master) Youssef, a skilled Gnawa instrument maker. From beginning to end, you’ll create your instrument using traditional methods and materials.
Maâlem Youssef is more than an artisan—he is a living repository of Gnawa culture and history. In a time when true Gnawa Masters are becoming increasingly rare in Morocco, meeting someone raised in this ancient craft is a privilege.
Many Guembris on the market today are mass-produced for tourists, often serving as decorative pieces rather than high-quality musical instruments. This workshop ensures you will create a genuine, handcrafted Guembri with exceptional sound quality.
During the process, the Maâlem will also teach you how to tune and maintain your Guembri, ensuring that your instrument will last for years to come.
Become the creator and master of your own personal Guembri—a musical treasure that embodies the rich traditions of Gnawa culture!
Experience Details & Pricing
This is a private experience - the workshop will be reserved exclusively for you.
Duration:
- 2 weeks workshop
- ≈ 3 hours per session each day
Location:
- The workshop takes place in Maâlem Youssef’s traditional house in Essaouira’s historic Medina.
Material:
- All materials are included in the workshop price.
Shipping:
- Shipping of the completed Guembri is available at your expense.
Pricing:
- Build a traditional Guembri (≈ 2 weeks, 3 hours per session) : 860 €
- Build a small Guembri (≈ 2 weeks / 3 hours per session) : 600 €
Booking Your Workshop
To book your Guembri-building workshop:
- Use the booking form.
- Or Contact us directly for more information.
Why Choose This Experience?
- Authenticity: Build a genuine Guembri with the guidance of a true Gnawa Master.
- Cultural Immersion: Learn the history and traditions surrounding Gnawa music and instruments.
- Hands-On Craftsmanship: Create a high-quality instrument using traditional methods.
- Personalized Learning: Receive one-on-one instruction in an intimate setting.
- Preserve a Tradition: Support and preserve the endangered art of Gnawa instrument-making.
