A fiercely independent people...
'Danse Amazigh' is our interpretation of folk musical styles from North Africa. Known to the ancient Greeks as Berbers, the Amazigh tribes and kingdoms dominated the region from the Atlas Mountains to Libya and were known for their fierce independence which was supported by martial prowess. Many Amazigh tribes joined the armies of Hannibal when he invaded Italy in 218 BC, after which the region became known as Numidia. In the 7th century AD their warrior queen Dihya brought to a halt for a time the expansion of the Umayyad Caliphate. The Amazigh/Berbers offered nearly continuous resistance to French colonial rule in the 19th century and in the 20th many North African volunteers fought for the French military defending democracy in two world wars. Speaking of democracy and independence, the first country to recognize the newly independent United States Of America after her revolution against Great Britain was Morocco. 

Amazigh music is varied, earthy and passionate. Echoes of Antiquity composed and performed this ancient style melody, overdubbing multiple tracks of various instruments, all held together with driving  frame drumming. This piece serves as an introduction for a recitation based on Amazigh mythology, a creation story, 'The First Mortals'. This tale is interesting, in that it seeks to explain the high status Amazigh society has always afforded towards women, unique in the ancient Mediterranean world. 

Ismail Butera  Lute, rebab, plucked mandolin, flute
Natalia Perlaza  Frame drums, shakers

Image   Ouled Nail Amazigh Girls  Rudolf Lehnert, 1904 

Recorded and mixed at Soundworks Recording Studio, Astoria NY

Copyright Ismail Butera 2023

Danse Amazigh

I compose and recite tales based on ancient epics and poetry, as well as perform on a variety of traditional & modern instruments; longed necked lutes, various flutes, lyre and yes, even accordion. Folk music, history and ancient art & literature are my passions. 

Visit my website www.echoesofantiquity.net to hear, see and read about my realm.

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