Morocco's Gnaoua music festival gets underway Once a year, musicians gather in Essaouira in Morocco for the annual Gnaoua music festival. The haunting melodies draw music lovers from far and wide. The sound has its origins in sub-Saharan West-Africa but has fused with the Arab and Islamic songs of the Maghreb. The music has apparently influenced international stars such as Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones. The festival, often described as Morocco's answer to Woodstock runs for four days. More about: Art, Festival, Morocco, Music festival