Oujda Exhibition Celebrates the Heritage of Rai Music
The city of Oujda is currently hosting a remarkable exhibition that delves into the musical arts of the eastern region of Morocco, showcasing works that vividly illustrate the artistic memory through the features of both established and emerging creators. Titled "Art and Rai," this artistic showcase is held at the Oujda Arts Gallery, organized with the support of the Eastern Region’s Wilaya and in collaboration with the Eastern Rai Festival. The exhibition is curated by the talented visual artist Younes Meloudi.
This exhibition pays homage to Younes Meloudi's distinctive painting style, which incorporates elements from the traditional music tapes known as "kassita." Meloudi has chosen to distinguish this event with a unified color palette, drawing inspiration from local nature and environment, primarily featuring shades of orange. In a statement to the online newspaper Hespress, Meloudi expressed his pride in the exhibition, emphasizing his connection to the eastern region as a native of Oujda. He articulated his enthusiasm for opportunities to explore and celebrate his culture and identity.
A Tribute to the History of Rai
Meloudi reflected on the significance of this exhibition, noting that the inaugural showcase of his artistic project, "Kassita," took place in Oujda before touring cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech. He sees this current exhibition as a vital opportunity to explore the history and origins of Rai music and the various musical genres that have accompanied its evolution in the region, such as Mchicha, Rkada, and Arefa. He pointed out that while each region of Morocco has its unique creative expressions, there often exists a narrow focus on local styles, which can hinder broader cultural exchange. This is particularly evident in the eastern region, where there is a tendency to concentrate on local musical genres without exploring those from the west, south, or north. Meloudi lamented the lack of festivals that highlight and promote the diversity of these musical expressions in a single venue.
Thus, this exhibition serves as an effort to bridge the gap and familiarize audiences with these musical genres. He noted that while residing in Casablanca, he has observed a growing interest among citizens from other regions in the musical colors of the east as he works on them. He believes that the more exhibitions and festivals shed light on these genres, the more positively it will impact people's awareness and appreciation for the various arts across the country.
The new exhibition by Younes Meloudi features, according to its guide, twenty unique artworks that celebrate twenty-three artists who have significantly contributed to the eastern song and Rai music, as well as the rich traditional styles emanating from the region. With an innovative visual language, this artistic event aims to preserve the local artistic memory, tracing the paths of creativity from the foundational generation and pioneering figures who shaped this cultural heritage to the subsequent generations that have carried the torch, echoing the sounds of the east and Rai music on a global scale.
As reported by hespress.com.
