KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 11, 2019

Grammy-nominated musical artists to perform traditional Moroccan blues

As part of Kennesaw State University’s annual country study program, Year of Morocco, the University will host a conference focusing on youth issues in Morocco. The two-day conference will feature over 30 presentations from scholars, policymakers, students, musicians and community leaders.

Grammy-nominated musical collective, Innov Gnawa, will perform March 16 celebrating Morocco’s Gnawa music tradition. Often called the Moroccan Blues, Gnawa music is the ritual trance music of Morocco’s black communities and has a distinctive raw and hypnotic sound played by an array of unique instruments. The performance will begin at 8 p.m. in the Bobby Bailey and Family Performance Center on the Kennesaw Campus.

Other highlights of the conference include speakers, Abdelkader Gonegai, dean of the School of Letters and Humanities at the Hassan II University Casablanca in Morocco, Loubna Skalli Hanna, professor of International Policy and Development at California University and remarks from Larbi R’Miki, head of public diplomacy for the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco.

“Every year we bring something new to the students and give them the opportunity to learn more about the world. Morocco is a vital part of North Africa with a rich history and culture,” said Dan Paracka, director of academic initiatives. “We want students to be thinking globally, and this annual study allows us to bring international cultures and information to Kennesaw State.”

For the past 34 years, Kennesaw State University has dedicated each academic year to the study of a particular country or region introducing thousands of students to the rich diversity of world cultures. More than 3,000 students are impacted by the program every year through presentations, performances, study abroad opportunities and courses.

Information about all conference presentations, registration and parking is available here.

– Andrea Judy

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.