Kasba Houariyat brings the heartbeat of Marrakech’s ancient medina to the international stage. Formed in the Kasbah, this all-female ensemble has performed together for nearly a decade, captivating audiences from local weddings, festivals and major events. The group perform in a circle, exchanging powerful call-and-response vocals over a thunderous mix of drums and metal percussion. Their sound draws on ancestral houari rhythms alongside Moroccan styles including chaabi, houzi and ’aita.
Kasba Houariyat offer a vibrant reimagining of Moroccan tradition: rooted in the past, alive in the present and impossible to resist on the dancefloor. Their repertoire moves seamlessly from love songs and saints’ celebrations to witty, tongue-in-cheek reflections on everyday life. Dressed in shimmering kaftans, the group builds toward fast, ecstatic climaxes, trance-like energy and communal celebration. Rooted in tradition yet alive with spontaneity, each performance becomes a vibrant exchange between musicians and audience.
