The ongoing 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is bringing the world to its attendees, offering a wide-ranging programme that includes cultural performances from diverse corners of the globe. Among these, the Tizwit International Youth Band from Morocco captivated audiences with an energising display of traditional rhythms and dance, infusing the fair with the rich cultural essence of the Berber heritage.
The fair’s halls and corridors pulsed with the rhythmic beat of five tambourines as Tizwit’s nine-member troupe, composed of five men in white robes and four Moroccan women in vibrant traditional attire, performed the Ahidous n M’Goun dance from Morocco’s Tenghir region. Known as the “bee dance,” this distinctive folkloric performance traditionally features an equal number of male and female dancers who follow the cues of a lead conductor, moving in unison to depict scenes of nature and community.
The women, dressed in vibrant red fabrics adorned with colourful woollen headpieces and artisanal ornaments like Tasbnit, Tasmart, Tashatt, and Louban, embody the region’s cultural legacy. Against this vivid backdrop, the men’s white robes and turbans create a striking contrast, enhancing the visual allure of the performance.
Tizwit’s repertoire includes the “bee” dance and the “blooming flower” dance, both of which they performed at SIBF. The bee dance, symbolic of a bee’s movements among flowers, evokes the natural harmony of Morocco’s landscapes. The blooming flower dance portrays the beauty of a flower in bloom, with six female dancers representing petals and six male dancers symbolising bees circling the flower, all directed by a central conductor representing the queen bee. At SIBF, nine dancers brought this cultural legacy to life, preserving the authenticity of Ahidous art.
“This performance by Tizwit is one of Morocco’s most cherished traditional dances, typically showcased at weddings and religious celebrations like Eid,” shared Younes Khounti, a Moroccan national volunteering at Morocco’s pavilion at SIBF.
As the 2024 Guest of Honour, Morocco has established a dedicated pavilion at SIBF, offering visitors an immersive journey through its unique cultural and artistic heritage.
Running until November 17, the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair is free to attend and features an array of events celebrating the world of books and beyond. For more information, visit www.sibf.com.