WOMAD

Marzoug

From Algeria

One of the great originalities of the Marzoug family is to have made the bagpipe an actual instrument of its own in the Maghreb, and not only an instrument used along with others or to accompany the singer, as can be found in other areas. The bagpipe from Biskra is named chekwa. Of Biskri-negro origin, it was created at the beginning of the century in the district El Alia, and it is in the very same place that the virtuosos of the chekwa were born.The Soudani-Marzoug family has been composed of noteworthy musicians for generations, some players of chekwa (bagpipe), of tabla and qarqabou, along with the Arabo-African chants of a singer. The songs of this band can be of profane or religious (medh or praise) inspiration. However it is undoubtedly the profane and love repertoire which remains the most outstanding. It is on various occasions or for celebrations (wedding, baptism, circumcision etc.), in various boroughs, towns or villages that the Marzoug band is invited to play on a regular basis.