Tarwa N-Tiniri (Morocco)

Tarwa N-Tiniri formed in 2012 in Ouarzazate in southeast Morocco, when five childhood friends began creating music rooted in their Amazigh heritage. Their name combines tarwa (“generation”) and n-tiniri (“of the desert”), reflecting the landscapes and nomadic traditions that shaped their lives. All self-taught, the group blends Amazigh and North African melodies with blues, reggae, rock, jazz and Gnaoua music. Their songs address daily life in desert communities, including cultural identity, social pressures, friendship and the desire for peace. Through touring, they have shared the sounds and stories of Amazigh culture with audiences well beyond their region.

Featured Song:

“Rokba” is inspired by al-rokba, a collective sung-poetry and dance form from Morocco’s Daraa Valley. In this tradition, men and women chant verses together while performing coordinated movements. The song reflects brotherhood, longing and hope for a peaceful homeland. “We walked, my brother, from the moment they called us,” and “For years I cried in silence,” convey the emotional weight of the journey, while “Grant us, O God, a homeland in happiness,” expresses a wish for stability and prosperity. The song’s guitars, hand-claps and call-and-response vocals echo the communal spirit of the original style.

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