It has been seven years since Casablanca's Tremplin Festival occurred in Morocco. The festival is like American Idol, where winners go on to play for a larger festival in Morocco. Seven years ago 14 heavy musicians were arrested and sent to prison for practicing "satanism" and "endangering the Islamic faith". They had a court trial and were found guilty of having in possession things such as skulls, diabolic music, ripped posters. Most of the guys ended up staying in jailing for about a year.
But once the guys were arrested, an outpour of support occurred. There was tons of publicity, where stadiums were filled trying to bring back the alternative music.
Things have changed a lot though and for the better. Currently, the Tremplin Festival is back and running stronger than ever. Tons of new bands have formed and are now playing around the city. The trial that occurred seven years ago in itself allowed there to be an acceptance of alternative culture in the Moroccan society.
I think it is awesome how a very traditionalist and strict society with core Islamic values was able to allow for this festival to come back. It shows that they are slowly opening up their arms to different ideas and cultures and are not allowing ignorant assumptions to take the best of the music.
link : http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2010/04/morocco-draft-rock-music-fans-rejoice-in-newfound-freedom-.html
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