Saharawi Music Lessons
Art holds extraordinary power to cross boundaries, awaken emotions, and remind us of our shared humanity.
For the Saharawis living under Moroccan occupation, art takes on an even deeper political meaning.
Historically, music has played an important role in expressing the Saharawi freedom struggle, and here at Sandblast, we value art as resistance. Many of our past projects have been rooted in uplifting Saharawi artists, and aiding their journey to share their work on the international stage. Our efforts to bolster Saharawi voices continues through our Desert Voicebox project, where we empower the next generation of Saharawi artists, advocates, and visionaries to use their creativity to speak up, stand out, and share their culture and message with the world .
Through collaboration with local musicians in the camps and music educators from abroad, our teachers are proud to offer regular music lessons to our Desert Voicebox Students.
All ages of students are able to study their traditional music and dance, along with opportunities to experiment with new styles through our creative workshops.- like our Zombies in the Air music project!
Music practice is a wonderful creative outlet that builds confidence for refugee children, while also being a defiant act of Saharawi cultural promotion in the face of ongoing Moroccanization and cultural erasure.
Tidinit Lessons
The tidinit is a traditional stringed instrument that accompanies Saharawi poetry, singing, and storytelling.
A type of lute typically crafted from wood and animal skin, the tidinit looks similar to a ukelele or a small guitar. It has four strings, usually made of gut, and is played with a pick.
With the support of our music teachers and local musicians, we are able to offer lessons to our Desert Voicebox students.
Zombies in the Air: a modern music project
With oral histories and poetry being such an integral piece of Saharawi culture, we work to promote this cultural practice with a fusion of English language and Hassaniya, Desert Voicebox students are able to explore written and spoken language activities.
During a Creative Workshop, hosted by Anastasia Oleinik, students of all ages collaborated to write a poem set to music, titled “Zombies in the Air”. Here, they express their thoughts and feelings as Saharawi refugee children through a a modern blend of old and new traditions.
Traditonal Saharawi Dance
Just as poetry and music have been integral to the culture and expression of Saharawis for generations, dance holds a special place for youth in the camps today.
Adorned in traditional costumes and set to music, our students are able to build self confidence and and explore creative expression through movement.