Herbie Hancock Celebrates Jazz and Gnawa Music at UNESCO Festival in Morocco

Jazz icon Herbie Hancock performed at the 13th annual UNESCO International Jazz Day worldwide celebration in Tangiers, Morocco on April 30, 2024, emphasizing jazz's role in promoting unity and diversity. The historic All-Star Global Concert, hosted by actor Jeremy Irons, featured a lineup of distinguished artists from around the world and highlighted the magical influence of the centuries-old Moroccan gnawa music tradition.

The event commenced with a special performance by Dar Gnawa musicians, followed by various musical collaborations showcasing the cultural ties between Morocco and other countries. Hancock, who serves as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, recalled introducing the idea for International Jazz Day and described jazz as "a story of your own life" and "a collective experience, kind of oneness."

Tangiers has long been a haven for American jazz greats, and this year's festivities drew musicians from as far as Brazil and Japan. The concert launched with a performance by Abdellah El Gourd, a master of Morocco's gnawa tradition, which Hancock praised for its "magical influence" on him. The festival celebrated the fusion of jazz and gnawa music, as exemplified by the work of the late American jazz pianist Randy Weston, who had collaborated with El Gourd during his time living in Tangiers.

Why this matters: The UNESCO International Jazz Day festival not only showcases the enduring legacy and global reach of jazz but also highlights the rich cultural heritage of Morocco and the power of music to bridge divides. By celebrating the fusion of jazz with the centuries-old gnawa tradition, the event promotes cultural exchange, understanding, and respect for diversity on a global scale.

The 13th annual International Jazz Day celebration included thousands of performances, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives in more than 190 countries worldwide. The event received significant support from the Doris Duke Foundation and United, the Global Airline Partner, and aimed to promote peace, dialogue among cultures, and respect for human dignity through the universal language of jazz. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay emphasized the importance of the event, stating, "Jazz carries a universal message with the power to strengthen dialogue, our understanding of each other, and our mutual respect."

Key Takeaways

• Jazz icon Herbie Hancock performed at the 13th annual UNESCO International Jazz Day in Tangiers, Morocco.
• The event featured a lineup of distinguished artists and highlighted the Moroccan gnawa music tradition.
• Hancock described jazz as a "story of your own life" and a "collective experience, kind of oneness."
• The festival celebrated the fusion of jazz and gnawa music, exemplified by the late American jazz pianist Randy Weston.
• The event aimed to promote peace, dialogue, and respect for diversity through the universal language of jazz.