Izenzaren
Izenzaren is a Moroccan musical group playing music It was formed in 1972 in Agadir, in the Sous region of Morocco by Abdelhadi Iggout and Abdelaziz Chamkh.
History
In the post-colonial Morocco, rural migration became a noticeable phenomenon and created problems for the families newly settling in towns. They were in fact confronted at the same time with the violent process of integration and assimilation as well as with several social and economic problems. This situation required the invention of new forms of poetico-musical expressions to express at the same time the nostalgia of the origins and the anger towards the abusive policies. At these times, English-language musical groups as well as Moroccan groups imposed their rhythms and influenced the development of musical groups known as popular. Mixing modern and traditional instruments, these groups interpreted songs, inspired by the ancestral traditions, using modern instruments and references.Inspired by this context, Izenzaren was formed in Agadir in 1972 by six young musicians coming from newly urbanized families. They recorded their first album in 1974, and started since then performing, recording and even making television appearances.
In 1975, after a disagreement between its members, the group split. Two groups claimed then the name: Izenzaren Iggut Abdelhadi and Izenzaren Abdelaziz Chamkh. The first is the better-known, and is named after its iconic lead singer and banjo player Abdelhadi Iggout.
Group members
Current members
- Abdelhadi Iggout
- Mustapha Chater
- Moulay Brahim Talbi
- Mohamed Hanafi
- Hassan Biri
Former members
- Abdelaziz Chamkh – Left in 1975 and created his own group. Died in 2014.
- Lahcen Boufertel – Died in 2011.