The band phenomenon: authenticity and identity in Moroccan political cartoons of the 1970s.

In the 1970s, a folk revolution took place in Moroccan popular culture led by young people. The movement began in the working-class neighborhoods of Casablanca, where a group of actors and musicians formed the folk band Nass el Ghiwane. They created a new style of music by blending regional genres and religious idioms, which resonated with Moroccan listeners. This movement, known as the Band Phenomenon, challenged the dominant music industry and political commitments of the time. The article presents a collection of cartoons that both mock and reflect the anxieties surrounding the success and popularity of the Band Phenomenon. Despite attempts by the state to co-opt their legacy, the impact of Dhahira music continues to be felt in contemporary Moroccan music. [Extracted from the article]