Echoes of resistance: Moroccan singer revives folk tradition

RABAT, Morocco (MNTV) — In North Africa, along the shores of the Atlantic and the edges of the Sahara, a hauntingly poetic folk tradition has endured for centuries—despite social taboos.

Aita, which translates to “a cry” or “lament” in Arabic, is more than just music; it is a form of sung poetry that weaves Morocco’s history, struggles, and unspoken truths into hypnotic melodies.

One of its most passionate modern-day torchbearers is Mbarka Moullablad, better known by her stage name, Thouria. A resident of Sidi Yahya Zaer, a rural town near the capital, Rabat, she has devoted her life to preserving this deeply expressive tradition. But her path has not been easy.

The pan-Arab news outlet Al Arabiya reports that while aita has been performed at weddings, festivals, and private gatherings for generations, its female performers—known as cheikha—often face social stigma. Seen as unconventional and rebellious, cheikha have historically been marginalized, their artistry overshadowed by cultural stereotypes.

“My family did not agree at first, and I used to suffer from society’s judgment,” Moullablad said during a recent performance south of Rabat. “But now everything is good. I do it to earn money for my children.”

Despite past disapproval, her community has gradually accepted her role as a performer. On stage, she and fellow cheikha captivate audiences with their powerful voices, draped in silk caftans and golden belts, their faces adorned with dramatic makeup. 

The performances are a mesmerizing spectacle, blending evocative singing with rhythmic dances, punctuated by the sounds of traditional drums, violins, and guitars.

Moullablad’s sister, Fatiha, adds another layer to the performance with her belly dancing, her movements accentuated by beaded embellishments.

While aita lyrics often speak of love and loss, they also carry historical and political weight—chronicling everything from economic struggles to resistance against colonial rule. It is this depth and raw honesty that has kept the tradition alive, even as modern music trends dominate Morocco’s cultural landscape.

Aita’s influence continues to grow beyond its traditional roots. Contemporary artists, such as the electro-folk fusion group Aita Mon Amour and the all-male troupe Kabareh Cheikhats, reinterpret the genre, introducing it to new audiences. 

The tradition has even reached international cinema, with Morocco’s Oscar submission Everybody Loves Touda telling the story of a single mother’s journey to becoming a cheikha.

Despite modernization and urbanization, aita’s legacy remains strong.

“Aita will not die because it is renewed by young people,” said Rachid Kadari, a male cheikh who also performs the tradition. “It is loved by old and young alike, preserved in its origins while evolving with the times.”

Through her voice, resilience, and defiance of social stigma, Thouria is ensuring that aita remains an enduring symbol of Moroccan heritage—a tradition that continues to cry out, echoing through time.