TOP 5 STORIES & SOUNDS TO CHECK OUT BEFORE YOU GO TO MOROCCO

#1   Lonely Planet Guide to Morocco

(2023, recent edition)

Lonely Planet is tried and true in terms of giving great and up to date information on sites, sounds, culture, accommodations, and other activities. While this addition came out before the 2023 earthquake that rocked Marrakesh and destroyed several destinations  spots (that are now being rebuilt or replaced), it is a solid MUST-HAVE when going abroad. As an admirer of Rick Steves, I agree with him saying a up-to-date guidebook is the start of a great trip to make sure you don’t miss timings, but also so you know what is  open and what isn’t.

#2  Dreams of Trespass: Tales of Harem Girlhood by Fatima Mernissi

I recommend Fatima Mernissi’s book to ANYONE going to or from Morocco. While famed for her insights on Islamic feminism and her work in sociology, this book is semi -autobiographical novel that offers a glimpse into Fez before independence. Mernissi takes readers into a harem of her grandfather’s family and connects memories with the struggle during the French colonial Protectorate. It’s a fast read, and once you are finished, you’ll want to read it again.

#3   Casablanca (1942)

“Here’s looking at you, kid.”  “We will always have Paris.” “Play it again, Sam.” “Louie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” “Round up the usual suspects.” Sound familiar? These phrases are commonly heard in popular American culture and they all stem from one timeless film – Casablanca featuring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Set in the 1940s, Vichy controlled Morocco, café owner and cynic Rick reunites with his former lover Ilsa when she asks him for a favor – to help her and her husband escape the Nazis and get out of Casablanca. While not filmed in Morocco, the background of this film gives the audience an idea of the precarities of being in Morocco were, but also how it was a strange mixture of Jews fleeing Europe and Nazis putting pressure on the government to give them up. The classic “As Time Goes By” is often played at Rick’s Café – a real restaurant and bar near the port of Casablanca inspired by the film and worth a visit.

#5 The Bardia (short documentary) 2021

A little bit of shameless self-promotion I admit, but I’m so proud to show you the documentary I produced with director Gabriella Garcia-Pardo. We worked for seven years on this short documentary about women horseback riders making their way in a male-dominated cultural practice. I wrote my dissertation on this subject and what better way to make my work accessible than to make a film. The documentary follows Amal Ahamri the leader of an all-female equestrian troupe and how she deals with work, motherhood and her love of horses in Morocco. I got my National Geographic Explorer title as they funded the equipment for this film and also distributed it as part of their short film showcase.    

If you liked this video and want more documentaries and informational programming on Morocco, check out my playlist on YouTube.

#4 Listen to Maalem Mahmoud Gania,  Colours of the Night (2015) Gnawa music

A maalem is a master, so it is no wonder that Mahmoud Gania is the top listening recommendation for southern Moroccan sound. Originally from Essaouira – the home of Gnawa (pronounced Ga-Nowa) music, Gania played with Carlos Santana and Jimi Hendrix. This music features the guembri, a long stringed instrument that have plucked deep tones accompanied by the heavy cast iron castanets. It gives a very chill and trancing vibes. This music is harkens from the indigenous West African groups that were brought to Morocco as slaves and royal guards. Each summer bring the Essaouira Gnawa and World Music Festival filling the small coastal town with music lovers of every kind.