#moroccan legacy

[babalmaghrib]

" Moroccan Women in Haik ", Tetouan, Morocco, archive picture by George Washington Wilson c. 1870

[0alanasworld0]

Cast your votes!!!

You best bet our big boy is currently leading the race alhamdulillah!!!!

[starkeysbunny]

Omg I started reading your fics and I fell in love😭

I wanted to request a Rafe x reader (angst) where like she's Kiara older sister but she dies instead of JJ, and its all angst and something like that 🥲

(its okay if you don't want to write this!💋)

Love you!!! 💓

𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲 [𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻]

first request yay !! i’m new to writing on tumblr, so here’s my first one! excited to do more <33

pairing - rafe x pogue!carrera!reader

warnings - angst, hurt, sad asf, reliving jj’s death but plot twist it’s you this time, cursing, death

summary - ask above ↑ you’re kiara’s older sister. (rafe’s age gap to sarah is what i imagined!). when you’re in morocco on a dangerous trip to help your friend jj get answers, everything goes terribly wrong. in a last stitch effort to save your best friend and sister, you end up clinging for life in your boyfriend’s arms with your friends beside you.

i can’t see anything. my arm covers over my eyes as dust blows in every direction. the hot air coats my skin covered by cloth.

“rafe!” i shout, trying to see, trying to find him. he ran off with john b and sarah. and now, i couldn’t find him.

that’s when i see my sister, and jj.

i stand back, dodging behind a wall so groff wouldn’t see me. my hand covers my mouth in shock as i see groff holding a knife to my sisters neck. “shit.” i mutter.

“give me the crown, and you can have the girl.” groff says, sticking his arm out gingerly, while holding kiara close to his chest.

“okay, okay, you can have it. just give me kiara.” jj says, raising his hands in defense.

i try to watch through the dusty sandstorm as jj reluctantly and carefully trades the crown for kiara. they both switch hands at the same time, kiara collapsing in jj’s arms.

groff holds the crown to his chest, a sick smirk on his face. his eyes flick to the knife in his hand, then back at jj.

no. no. no.

before i can even think, my feet are moving before my mind could. through the blazing heat and thick sand storm, i move blindly. going in the direction of kie and jj, i slot myself between jj and groff.

i gasp, my hand coming to my stomach. my eyes are locked onto groff’s and he raises his eyes in surprise.

“y/n!” i hear the desperate pleas of my sister fade into blurry obscurity. i couldn’t recount every moment after that. it was all a blur of pain.

my breathing is heavy, but fast. kiara had propped me up against a weak wooden pillar.

“y/n! it’s gonna—gonna be okay? okay?” kie says, her voice shaking. i could barely hear her over the roaring winds around us. jj was kneeling next to kie in front of me. he wasn’t saying a word. he was in shock, staring at the blood beginning to stain the moroccan cloth clothing cleo stole for all of us.

the blood that was supposed to coming from his own abdomen, was now instead, on his hands. i furrow my eyebrows at him, silently pleading for him to not feel guilty. i shake my head.

“it’s okay.” i whisper weakly.

jj’s eyes were full of guilt, regret, and anger. this would kill him. the survivors guilt. and i knew kiara would be fueled by anger and revenge.

after everything we went through on this trip, to get here. to save jj’s family legacy. to get him answers. and to save what was rightfully ours on kildare, the surf shop.

instead of leaving in riches, smiles on our faces—i would never leave. and my friends would all leave with vengeance in their hearts, and no place to go home to.

as i think about my friends, all the pogues—my mind goes to my boyfriend. the one kook with us. and suddenly, my heart is ripped in two.

my eyes immediately meet jj’s. weakly, i plead. “find rafe. please.”

jj nods firmly without a second’s thought. he stands, pulling the bandana over his nose and finding rafe.

“kie.” i whisper, my voice weak as my lip quivers. i look at my sister who’s hands were pressing harshly against my stomach, trying to stop the bleeding.

“no, no it’s fine—you’re fine!” she exclaims as tears violently and rapidly soar down her cheeks.

“hey.” i say, getting her attention.

finally, her glassy eyes move from my stomach to my face, a sob escaping her lips.

“i love you, kie, okay?” i sniffle. “save a seat for me at the maybank wedding, hm?” i tease with a weak chuckle.

“shut up.” she says through gritted teeth, hot tears never stopping. “i won’t have to. cause you’ll be there. cause you’re my sister-you-you’re supposed to be there.”

“okay.” i whisper with a weak nod.

she presses her lips together, closing her eyes. she hears the agreement and compromise in my single word response because, i didn’t want to argue. even if it was a stupid, little argument about her adamance of my survival. my last moments with my sister couldn’t be ended in trivial bicker.

“i love you too.” she whispers.

“y/n?!”

i look up, seeing rafe rushing toward us with an urgency i’ve never noticed him have before. jj trailed behind, john b, sarah, cleo, and pope following suit.

“baby.” rafe whispers. he kneels next to me, moving my body slightly so my back laid against his chest. kie still knelt in front of me, her hands holding pressure on my stomach.

i tilt my head back slightly as i look up at rafe. “hi.” i whisper weakly.

he pulls his bottom lip between his teeth, shaking his head. “no. no, no, you’re not goin’ anywhere, alright? we-we’ve talked about this. you can’t go before i do.”

“tell that to groff.” i wince, groaning as i lean against him. “fuck.” i mutter in pain.

“i’m gonna fuckin’ kill that bitch.” rafe spits. i look up at him, and see tears falling down his cheeks.

my hand weakly reaches up, pulling down the bandana from his nose. “hey.” i whisper softly, my touch gentle as my thumb wipes his tears. “i’m gonna be fine.”

my eyes dart down at my sister. “right, kie?”

her lip quivers violently, she presses harder against my stomach. then, her eyes look up at rafe.

even though my sister and all of my friends hate rafe—they understand. they see how much he cares about me. ever since we started dating, parts of them had grown slightly tolerant to him. because when he’s around me, he’s a little nicer. a little sweeter.

and they know that even if they don’t trust him, i do. and rafe has shown it time and time again. that he cares about me. for real.

“yeah, rafe.” she whispers, her voice shaking. “she’s gonna be fine.” kie says, but i don’t even think she believes the words anymore.

“y/n…” john b says, his lips gaping open. sarah stood beside him, her hand covering her mouth. “oh-oh my god.”

“no, no.” rafe snaps. “don’t say that!” his voice is firm and sharp. “she’s gone be fine! go get help don’t just stand there and gasp—“

“hey, hey.” i say softly, my hand brushing against his cheek. “stop.” i whisper.

john b nods. “no, he’s right. we-we’ll go find help.” john b grabs sarah’s hand as they run off, searching for help. pope looks back reluctantly, but i nod at him. both him and cleo follow to find help. but there was no one for miles. we were screwed.

“you can’t leave me, alright?” rafe gasps, his voice breaking. “everyone else in my life, they always fuckin’ screw me over. yo-you’re the only one i can trust.”

his lip quivers and he leans down, pressing open mouthed kisses to my forehead. “please, baby. you’re all i have, y-you’re everything. c’mon, you-you remember, right?” he sniffles, pulling back and looking down at me.

my eyebrows furrow as i look up at him weakly, letting him continue.

“we gotta buy that house. t-the white one, with the blue shutters on the marsh.” he sniffles. “and you can get all the fuckin’ cats, dogs, bunnies, whatever you want—“

i chuckle softly, clutching my stomach from the pain the laugh causes. rafe and i had been together for about eight months. we’ve talked about moving in together. and there’s this house, on the marsh on figure eight. my dream house. rafe and i always would talk about it and make up scenarios of our future together.

one of them, involved him and i in the backyard of the house as i tend to our many pets. he groaned in annoyance the first time i mentioned it. but, i guess he secretly loved it. he’d do anything for me. anything i wanted, he’d make sure i had it.

“yeah, baby. all the pets. a-and then, i gotta make you mrs. cameron. okay? s-so don’t even think about leavin’ alright? we have so much more-more to do, please.” he begs through shallow cries and gasps.

“okay.” my eyes slowly blink up at him. i weakly bring my hand up, sticking out my pinky. “we’ll have the house, all the pets, and i’ll be mrs. cameron. pinky promise.”

he presses his lips together as a particularly rough sob threatens to escape. his hand comes to mine, his pinky latching on. “pinky promise.” he whispers.

i smile softly at him, then slowly turn my head to kie. “i love you.” i whisper to her.

she nods firmly. “i know. i love you too.”

then, my eyes turn to jj. “it’s not your fault.” i weakly whisper. “thank you, j. for being my best friend. you’re really good at that.” my voice breaks. “p4l?” i chuckle softly.

jj smiles as tears fall down his cheeks. “p4l.” he repeats.

“and, if you break my sisters heart—i’ll haunt you or some shit.” i weakly chuckle. jj grins, a laugh slipping from his lips. his hand comes up, rough knuckles wiping at his tears, he nods. “got it.” he whispers.

i look back up at rafe, leaning further into him, my hand coming up to rest against his chest. “i love you.”

“i know. i love you more. i got you.” he whispers, his voice a ghost now from how low and shaken it is. he presses a kiss to my hair, holding me impossibly close.

i didn’t want to die. but, as my body grew weak, my eyes wanted to close. i just wanted to go to sleep. and part of me hoped that, if i went to sleep, i’d wake up in a few hours magically, in a hospital bed.

maybe john b, sarah, pope, and cleo found help. maybe it’ll be okay.

but if not, i’m okay with that too. i got to go with my favorite people. kiara, my sister. jj, my best friend. and rafe, the love of my life.

as my eyes begin to flutter shut, i take in rafe’s features one last time. my gaze brushes over his blue eyes, the curve of his nose. down to the shadow of his cheekbones, and the purse of his lips that i had gotten the luck to kiss so many times.

i said everything i could’ve possibly wanted to say. i got to die, with the people i loved most in the world. i was okay.

and hopefully, in a few hours, i’d wake up. and get to live a long life with all of them.

but for now, i was going to sleep.

—

damn yall that was sad asf. making me relive jj’s death 😞 hope u enjoyed !! thx for the request lovies !! <3

[azure-cherie]

☀︎︎𝑃𝐴𝐶 : 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 ☀︎︎

Pile 1. Pile 2. Pile 3.

Hey there guys , I hope y'all are having a lovely time so for this PAC

THE CONCEPT is in this pile i call upon one of your ancestors to narrate a story from their life so that you can learn something from it or just get the Ancestral tea ☕ .

Reblogs and feedback are highly appreciated !!!!

Want a personal reading: Paid readings , Paid readings 2

Masterlist

Choose using your intuition, you can choose multiple and take what resonates and leave the rest . Since this is a general reading take what resonates and leave the rest .

Pile 1 :

My dear pile 1 , i hope you're doing well

Some charms for confirmations and messages: Maple leaf , moon , bicycle , trumpet , tortoise, panther , yantra symbol , peacock , camel , flower wings , infinity symbol, clown , lantern. Some numbers : might be age , year or era ; 5,1,6,5,7 ; some initials : K , L , I , Q .

Who will I be channeling : The Empress card they could be a very nourishing female who was well regarded in their family , they were a queen , princess , authority , they married rich . They were really a successful and kind women

They want to tell you a story about : Strength , how they were courageous

Once upon a time in your ancestry , born in either Mongolian , Chinese , French or Italian roots , your ancestors were regarded as inventors of something creative , they liked romance a lot , they wanted to keep the fire in themselves alive , they could be cavemen and drew various types of architectural plans , for some buildings , could be of Moroccan descent , you had a very big family , the head of the family was a very nice man , your ancestor was the head of the family as well , as the wife of your male ancestor , she also was a very creative person , made antiques and stored them , was regarded as one of the bad bitches of that era, and everyone wanted to marry her , though she broke many hearts she married your male ancestor , they lived really happily until there was some , war in your place and some things were burned down in your place or in your home , the fire could be symbolic as well , they were left with no choice then to sacrifice themselves . Either they sacrificed themselves or something that belongs to them . I think some of your family history also burned along with the fire , could be representative of also fury of old powerful people lurking into your family wellbeing .

Through the course of wheel of fortune ,there was a change because of a smart person in your bloodline who really finally crafted a way to rise again , this could be your ancestor herself or some other person from your family I get the vibe of the sister in law , or an aunt . Because of that you were capable , your ancestors could be into herbal medicine or Ayurveda . Your ancestors helped the poor a lot and conducted lots of charity . They either had a rabbit or a furry animal by their side , the pet was one of the legacies and the pet really protected , could be a dog as well , if cat they protected from spiritual attacks .

Your ancestors later became the leader of some organization , and they were some sort of vigilante and served everyone with justice , were one of the most powerful . One of the next generation male member sore really high and was regarded , they gave everyone a head start at creative potential , they rose again from what hurt them , they later settled in some colder place probably .

There could be some curse due to which your family went into hiding , because the son of the empress was a vigilante they rose again and built up after moving places , they brought lands and could be the family was travelling , that could mean some hippie ancestors for some of you , and it could also be someone wanted to move places , lastly your ancestor went on a spiritual journey , the empress went on a quest to find herself and was looking into a peaceful life

She wanted to tell you about this lesson of strength , that no matter what happens you should go on , also they wanted to tell you that if you want something good in life you must also leave something , to understand the value of sacrifice , despite the hardships she went on a quest , her main aim to wait was to see her family well and after she was done she was ready to leave , this story might also be about detachment .she wants to tell you that though everything is nice , if you feel you're missing something , you must go after it , and that’s how your soul will feel happy

Pile 2 :

My dear pile 2 , hope you're doing well

Some charms for confirmations and messages: Fox , mermaid tail , shell, angel, coconut tree , crescent moon , sun , kangaroo, wine bottle . Some numbers : might be age , year or era ; 7,2,9,2 ; some initials : R,U,O.

Who will I be channeling : Ace of swords ,could be a warrior , they were really courageous , free thinker .

They want to tell you a story about : Page of coins , of abundance of a bright future

Once upon a time there was a break in your family because of lot of disagreements , everyone fought each other or just left their own ways , this could be about middle eastern , desert areas , ancient India , Mediterranean , there was lot of conquest , here comes about your grandmother or just a women in your family who was a psychic , she wanted everyone to be together , that lead to the family coming back together because she made everyone thinking she was sick , they later came to know she wasn’t ,

She realized there was someone was casting a spell for your family to break apart , your ancestor already had the vibe , and they worked hard to let it into their heads , might have conducted an uncrossing spell to get rid of the damage , the spell came from a family member who was obsessed with money and wanted to keep everything to themselves , your ancestor wanted to keep everyone safe and happy , and because of their good deeds things were right , there were minor issues but because your grandmother was so observant and a psychic , the family didn’t break and was happy . They kept lot of optimism.

They wanted to tell you this because you are having self-doubts about your abilities or judging people without knowing the whole story , listen more to your intuition , you're reaching conclusions without thinking and analyzing things properly and they wanted to let you know that . I picked another card , so they tell you to take rest and not think too much .

This is actually really cool because I was about to start pile 3 but I couldn't remember the image , haha they want to tell you one more story woah , this could either be for the same group or this story might not be for you , use your intuition

This is about a situation where they had both of their hands tied , they were people putting allegations onto them and they wanted to about sometimes to get forward you'll have to lose something , you have to work hard and put all in , you shouldn’t run , things may become severe but know that youre stronger , don’t run away , you must hope for the best because only then it comes to you , being emotionally connected is a blessing , never take your own emotions for granted

They served a king or a higher authority could've worked as warriors or oracles of their place , they were considered very courageous , this could also be someone from Salem witch trials , there's lot of fire as well as witch symbolism , so I feel this could be it , they revolted a lot against the men who were capturing them . There was someone who was so in love with your ancestors and tried to save her , she tried and got away though it was painful , they came together and lived happily ever after , this story could also go about some Brazilian , Hawaiian , ancestry .

They wanted to tell you this as a sign that hope can be found even after most gut wrenching times .

Pile 3 :

My dear pile 3 hope you're doing well

Some charms for confirmations and messages: fish , elephant, gun , cap , shell , infinity symbol, witch , cat . Some numbers : might be age , year or era ; 9,8,2 ; some initials : M, A . Please check pile 2 if you were drawn

Who will I be channeling: Knight of wands adventurous, enigmatic person

They want to tell you a story about : The Sun , of fame and dignity

Once upon a time there was someone who was a miser and wanted your ancestor to be wed off , just so they could get rid of your ancestor , they thought your ancestor was a crooked person , who wanted to be reckless all the time , they didn’t appreciate your ancestors free spirit at all , the guardian showed they were happy but they wanted to destroy the life of your ancestor , your ancestors might have been kept hostage or had an evil step parent for some of you .

Someone could have died or poisoned , the husband of your ancestor was very supportive , the guardian didn’t like it , someone might have told that to your guardian , or higher authority , only to cut the wings of your ancestor , she yet lived with happiness because she was actively practicing freedom and was loved and supported by her husband , I think she wanted to be in a higher position , in education or in the swordsmanship sector , this could go back to Europe , in the renaissance period , haha your reading is reminding me of the anime called " Arte " .

She was shown love because fate turned her life around This reminds me of " My happy marriage " (anime).

There could be a lot of jealousy shown to her by the men around, the neighbor's , but your ancestor was always rising higher , there could be someone who sabotaged her telling her that she's a bad person , she payed no mind to them , she became one of the greatest of her times , swordsman , merchant . This could also be in the education sector , they became highly educated , just saw 333 might be significant to you .

They were abundant and happy , they later became a teacher in their sector , kids loved them a lot , probably rose to nobility , were honored as a survivor and a riser .

They want to tell you this story to make you believe in the power of love , though its mostly about bravery her husband helped her get through a lot of it , she wants to show how if you take a chance in love , love can be good for you . Though her arranged marriage was scary things turned out for the better so will it turn out for you , keep the belief , I got one more card , they also wanted you to let go of your mentality that everything will go bad trust that good things will happen to you , if you hit the rock bottom you can only go higher do what you need to do

The back of the deck is Empress , how sweet is it that the pile 1 started with empress and you're finishing at it , you come from line of very powerful women who worked so much for their dreams they're always here for you just call upon them . I see 555 as I conclude can be significant for you.

Thank you so much for reading have a great day/night 🧡

[pargolettasworld]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xih_7N-iLwM

Just yesterday, I had the pleasure of listening to my friend and colleague Judith Cohen describe her ethnomusicological travels, in this case through Canada, Israel, Morocco, and Brazil.  She was describing the singers she met who carried on the legacy of Moroccan Sephardi music, often sung in haketia, which is the Moroccan version of Ladino.  Songs in haketia are getting rarer, as the Ottoman versions of Sephardi songs have become more popular.  But here’s a Moroccan version of Eliyahu HaNavi, in that lovely Moroccan style.

[i0veless]

GUITAR STRING HEART 2 :: KYLIAN MBAPPE

𖥻 SUMMARY ー [ sometimes they're an unexpected chapter in the story ] 𖥻 PAIRING ー [ kylian mbappe x fem! guitarist/singer! reade ] 𖥻 GENRE ー [ social media au, band au, ex's to ???, angst, fluff ] 𖥻 WORD COUNT ー [ 3.9k ] 𖥻 WARNINGS ー [ mentions of arguements and ghosting people, drinking, jealousy, and suggestive content - let me know if I missed anything ] 𖥻 AUTHORS NOTE ー [ HAPPY NEW YEAR, part 2. Let's go. Sorry, this is late, also not really happy with the way this turned at - but we move. I just want to thank you so much for all the love you have given part one while I'm writing this. It has 300+ notes, and it's only been out for a couple of days. words can't describe how much this means to me. also, part 3 will be the final part to this series - also if you see any mistakes ignore them please as they will be corrected later ]

➛ previous | taglist | masterlist | next

Walking off the pitch drenched in sweat and boiling with rage - Mbappe was anything but happy. His team had drawn, which would have been perfectly fine under normal circumstances. But not when he faced Halland. He had too much to prove to tie. he needed to win, but he didn't. Kylian would give anything at this moment to wipe the smug smirk off the Norwegian player's face. But his teammates had made a human blockade around him to ensure he didn't get into a physical altercation with the opposition's striker.

The PSG Team filled into their locker room, hot and rowdy, as they talked and laughed about the match. But not Mbappe, he was silent, and it was unnerving. The moment the man entered the room, he walked straight to his cubbie and pulled out his phone. He sat staring at his luminescent screen, fixated on the comments on all social media platforms commenting on who was better, Mbappe or Halland.

It was him - it had to be. There was nothing Halland could do that he couldn't do better. He was the next greatest, not some Norwegian nobody. Maybe in another life, the two could have been friends, heck they could have been friends in this life. If not for the constant parallels drawn between the two (which got very annoying), the other player constantly bashing him in the press, and the fact that his celebrity crush was non-other than Y/N L/N. A simple video of him confessing his admiration for the musician is ingrained in his mind as to why he hates the blond twit so much. He already wanted to steal his legacy, his spotlight and now the girl of his dreams.

There was no way in hell that he would let that happen. As Kylian's rabbit hole of thought spiralled further and further into the abyss, he stopped momentarily after feeling a firm hand on his shoulder. Hakimi noticed his friend's abnormally quiet demeanour and instantly understood what was happening. "You know you should stop looking for approval from people online," the Moroccan player said as he took a seat beside him. Letting out a heavy sigh in reply, the forward put his phone down and looked at the defender.

"you still thinking about her" Achraf was one of the only people, besides Neymar and Messi, who knew about Mbappe's relationship with the guitarist. So they were sad to hear that the two had broken up as they had never seen the player happier than when he was with Y/N. They understood why they had broken up, but it was clear that Kylian still had feelings for her, whether he liked to admit it or not, so the trio had a silent agreement that if a chance ever presented itself, they would play cupid.

"Do you know" the defender's question made Mbappe look up, confused about what he was asking. Choosing to show him rather than speak, Hakimi handed him his phone, showing a gossip page headline - Y/N was here. She was here, "Heads up, guys, incoming", Neymar yelled as all the players rushed to look more presentable. Most of the PSG team were Bloody Valentine fans, and the manager told them that if they won or drew, they would get to meet them. Their coaches told them this during the previous day's training. Too bad Kylian took that day off.

All eyes were on the door as it creaked open, with three figures entering shyly behind security. But one person was missing, and the security team quickly left the room, leaving the stars to mingle. As the players greeted the musicians, they invited them to take a seat. "Can I just say yall were fucking incredible, like oh my god fucking respect" Onyx started making the players laugh and thank him for the words of affirmation. "Thank you so much, man, that means a lot to us - glad we made it worth your time," Messi said, smiling at the trio with questioning eyes wondering where the 4th and most anticipated person was.

Noticing the curious glance from the footballer, Axel pulled out his phone and dialled Y/N's number, putting it on speaker. The phone rang twice before connecting - "Axe, I'm lost." everyone burst out laughing "where are you?" Sabrina asked through her laughter. "I have no fucking clue Bri." the confused guitarist said, the sounds of her footsteps protruding through the speaker. "Try and find a sign that can tell you where you are", Neymar suggested as the whole of PSG where now on board with project find Y/N.

All except for Kylian, who was still in a daze as he heard her voice. Mbappe reminisced. Her voice was still sweet like honey to his ears and gentle on his broken heart, reminding him of the remarkable woman he had lost- oh, how he wished he could take it all back. He needed her back. He realised that a long time ago, but boy, was that feeling stronger than ever. And vowed there and then that he would do everything in his power to ensure that Y/N ended up back in his arms, even if it killed him in the process.

The rest tried to help the girl find her way back. "Hate to break it to you, but I can't read french." the room was silent; this was a problem. "Babe, you took french for four years…" the bassist said with her face in her hands at her best friend's situation. "Just because I took it doesn't mean I was any good at it."

"Wait, is Johnny there?" the panic in the singer's voice made the situation ten times more amusing, "No, not yet, anyway. But seriously, where are you" Onyx said, now getting worried, "I'm working on it." she said, followed by more footsteps before the phone disconnected. Oh boy.

yourinstagram . 20min ago

seen by k.mbappe achrafhakimi and 1,444,432 others

yourinstagram

liked by sab.rina neymarjr and 6,434,555 others ➻ tagged psg

yourinstagram pov : your lost in parc des princes

view comments

sab.rina where the fuck are you ⤷ yourinstagram bro I have no fucking idea

onyxisastone sexy mf ⤷ yourinstagram my boy

axeman johnny just called hurry up you dumb shit ⤷ yourinstagram on my way 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️ ⤷ axeman why were you filming tiktok's then ⤷ yourinstagram 🫢🫢🫢

psg don't worry help is on it's way ⤷ user in psg we trust 🫡🫡 ⤷ yourinstagram 🫡🫡

user bestie what is going on?!?! ⤷ yourinstagram idk bro help me

user kylian and Y/N confirmed? ⤷ user shut up ⤷ user why it's just a question

user okay I know that everyones focusing on the fact that she's at parc des princes but can we take a moment to appreciate these photos ⤷ user facts

load more comments

yourinstagram . 10min ago

seen by justinebiber sergioramos and 2,493,432 others

Y/N was no genius, but at least her plan worked, bidding goodbye to the gorgeous fans she had met. She walked alongside the lovely middle-aged security guard, who introduced himself as Marco, down the labyrinth of corridors. She was skittish. Her heart hammered against her chest as she clenched her clammy hands and breathed slightly heavier than usual. As her head went into overdrive, she thought about what to do when facing Kylian. How should she act? What should she say? Should she ignore him - who fucking knew what she would do? All she understood was that this was going to be anything but easy.

Eventually arriving at the intended destination, the sweet security guard bid her farewell. Now left in front of the door. That may as well have led to hell, with fire and all. As her thoughts swarmed like wasps, she couldn't think straight. Her hand rested on top of the handle. Maybe I should have just stayed in the bathroom, she thought as she examined the door that separated her from the uncomfortable situation behind it. Letting out a deep sigh, the singer decided to get it over with - the quicker she got in, the faster she would get out. But when opening pandora's box, you never know what to expect.

Opening the door and stepping into the room quickly, the change in atmosphere was enough to give Y/N whiplash. In an attempt to enter quietly - she failed. With all eyes now on her, she tried to make herself seem less awkward as multiple eyes bore into her soul. "Whoever designed this stadium is either Albert Einstein or a fucking idiot." the guitarist was quickly embraced by her bandmates and ushered further into enemy territory. "Uh-huh, so you had time to post on Instagram, throw it back on tiktok, and tweet multiple times but are unable to find directions" Axel's face palmed at how stupid the idea sounded, but it worked in his friend's case.

"I'm just glad I got here before Johnny," The female vocalist said, rejoicing that she wasn't in trouble. "By the way, great match. You guys were amazing," she said, turning to face the PSG players, who thanked her as they all took a seat. Now comfortable on the floor, the players and musicians exchange questions regarding their professions. "Proudest moment?" Messi asked, receiving multiple 'ooh's' from the musical artists at the questions. "I've gotta say the Grammys. I mean, come on, we were nominated six times and won five - great night." Onyx said, "Uff, I've gotta say Coachella, that was mental" Axel considered

"What about you, Y/N?" Sabrina asked her friend, "We all know the answer", Axel said sarcastically. "Meeting Metallica", Cue groans from the rest of her bandmates. "What?" the singer laughed, looking at her bandmates, "baby, you are obsessed. Get help." Sabrina chimed in at her friend's fixation on the heavy metal band. "Okay, but Lars Ulrich knows who the fuck I am," the girl tried to reason with them, but it only dug her ditch further down. "We know we were there", Onyx sighed. "Then you should be able to grasp why this will be my only personality trait until I die."

As the band entered a heated discussion, Y/N almost forgot that she was in a room with her ex. However, she had yet to acknowledge him, avoiding all eye contact and keeping her distance. Safe to say, she thought no one had noticed - except someone had. Mbappe felt paralysed. He couldn't move or speak as he watched her in her little bubble, laughing and conversing with passion for the subject. Safe to say that the football player was jealous of Metallica for being such a crucial part of her life for so long - unlike him.

He thanked every god out there that they were all in their late 50s, knowing full well that if they were closer to her age, he would have more competition than he already did. I mean, who wouldn't want her? She was perfect. As he watched from afar, smiling at the self-proclaimed 'girl of his dreams, ' three other psg boys were scheming and preparing the beginning of what would be known as a project guitar string in one final attempt to get the soulmates back together again.

As the group continued to talk and laugh, Neymar suggested they take a group photo. As the group crowd around, the camera 5-second timer. Y/N stood obliviously in the middle of Messi and Neymar. Not realising it, Neymar removed himself from her side and, in his place, put Kylian, forcing his arm around her waist. Multiple pictures later, Y/N was still oblivious that she was cuddling into her ex's arm as the sound of the locker room door opening interpreted their photo shoot. None other than Mangere extraordinaire Johnny entered, "Good to see that your all are getting along."

"Well, I would think I would let you know before your coach tells you - that we're returning the favour and have got your tickets to tomorrow's concert and after party." safe to say that the entire team were over the moon. As Y/N turned to her correctly, expecting to see Neymar only to be greeted by the face of the man she spent countless nights crying over - Kylian fucking Mbappe. Frozen in place and on the verge of a panic attack. Only to be discretely dragged out of the touch of her ex by non-other than Sabrina.

Ignoring the searing heat from where his arm rested on her exposed skin, Y/N patiently waited for her friends to finish talking so they could leave - praying for them to be fast. When Hakimi approached her, the two acknowledged each other before falling into a pregnant silence. "You know he never stopped loving you," the Moroccan said before walking off - and with that, it was time to leave.

psg

liked by bloodyvalentines k.mbappe and 25,374,522 others ➻ tagged bloodyvalentines

psg nos rockstars préférées - translation our fav rockstars

comments have been limited

bloodyvalentines équipe de football préférée translation - fav football team ⤷ onyxisastone ❤️ ⤷ sab.rina ❤️ ⤷ axeman ❤️ ⤷ yourinstagram 🤍

user 🔥🔥🔥

user my favs

Y/N hey u up?

HALLAND yeah why?

Y/N you down to hang out or somethin?

HALLAND yeah sure everything alright?

Y/N yeah all good I'll swing round your hotel room?

HALLAND sounds good do you mind if the boys hang to they have been dying to meet you

Y/N yeah sure the more the merrier

HALLAND cool i'll text yeah the address

Y/N okay

Knocking on the door to the hotel room, Y/N messed with one of the rings on her finger. As the door opened, she was met with the comforting sight of the blond Norwegian she had grown fond of as he allowed her to enter. With a shut of the door, shedding coats and a brief exchange of greetings, the two walked towards the sitting room where the group of man city players sat playing FIFA. "Hey guys, look who's here." a slight turn of the head turned into a wave of shocked gasps and stunned faces, "And she's bought alcohol", the blond finished as they sat amidst the city squad.

"So she can play the guitar, sing, and is considerate - might as well change ya name to angel" Jack Grealish's heavy Birmingham accent made the singer smile - it reminded her of home. As the group opened the bottles of alcohol and shared them amongst themselves, they continued to talk and play FIFA. Talking with some of the other boys but still sticking close to halland, she enjoyed herself. She was indulging in alcohol, playing FIFA, and talking with her lovely new mates.

Completely forgetting the whole reason she came. To find a place to seek refuge from her argument with Axel. Y/N did appreciate them for worrying about her, but she felt suffocated. She wasn't a child. Yes, she wasn't 100% okay, but she was good enough to get by - long enough to get out of this cursed city. Hours felt like minutes as the others turned in for the night, leaving three. Y/N, Halland and a bottle of vodka.

"Everything alright?" Halland finally asked, leaning forward slightly. "Have you ever been in love" the sudden question confused the blond. "Can't say I ever have. Why?" As the distance continued to reduce by the second. "Then you wouldn't know what it feels like to have your heart ripped out of your chest" It didn't take long for Earling to figure out who she was talking about, Kylian. Guess the rumours were true.

"he didn't deserve you." the sudden confession made the girl look up with teary eyes. "Really?" the two were clearly under the influence of alcohol, "yeah, if you were my girl, I would have never let you go" somehow, Earling's hand curved around her neck. His mouth coming down on her, hard and fast yet sweet and so, very gentle. one might have been sickened at the sight - the way they gripped onto each other as if the other would disappear. The way Y/N sighs into his mouth, her head lolling back as Halland's lips ghost over her neck.

As their intimacy escalated rapidly, with clothes now on the floor, they were both hyper-aware. Not even sure if they had locked the door - but that wouldn't stop them. Nothing would. They were high on each other and drunk on cheap liquor. They had no intention of stopping. It was wrong, and she knew it was wrong. So profoundly, intensely, and morally wrong. If it hadn't been for the fact that Y/N had been in an argument with her bandmate, she would have left it there that night. But she didn't.

She lets his lips latch onto her again, humming against his mouth as his whole body climbs on top of her, engulfing her in his warmth. But all she could think about was Kylian. The thought made her want to scream, that she was about to get dicked down by a hot Norwegian, and all she could think about was her fucking ex. But her thoughts weren't going to stop her - not tonight. Between the curses, moans and kisses, Y/N gave herself over to Earling in the most precious yet innermost way.

A way that she once only ever did with Kylian. And if it weren't for how she and Halland collapsed against each other in a heated mess, limbs tangled with lips finding one another's in the early morning hours. The singer could almost forget the troubling tsunami her momentary lapse in judgement caused. She wasn't sure what time it was when Earling's soothing voice interrupted her as she responded to Onyx's text message. "your so beautiful," he murmured, his fingers running past her eyebrow as he engraved the features into his memory. Y/N didn't answer. Because all she could do was draw comparisons in the comfort she was receiving, the sickening sense of Deja vu made her want to cry. What had she done?

yourinstagram . 20hr ago

seen by axeman k.mbappe and 12,333,212 others

AXEL where are you? I'm sorry please come back are you still made at me? answer my texts please I need to know that your alright

(39 missed calls)

AXEL please pick up

(58 missed calls)

SABRINA look axe is sorry please come back are you drinking I saw your Instagram story who are you with please respond I'm getting worried

ONYX look I'm not going to pester you to come back If you need your own space just respond if you are okay so I don't have to file a missing person report even though it hasn't even been 24 hours

Y/N :)

ONYX okay I'll see you in the morning stay safe bye

Y/N :)

Hangovers were the worst, but they came second to the walk of shame. Y/N left before Earling woke up, leaving a note and some food she had made after she showered - the message explaining apologising for the hasty exit and hoping to see him at the concert. Walking through the quiet Parisian streets, the singer decided to take a quick detour into a bakery to get a gift of apology to give to her friends for her storming out and ghosting them the entire night. She left the lovely bakery with various pastries and treats and continued her journey back to her hotel.

She arrived at her destination with shortness of breath courtesy of the stairs she walked up. Knocking on the door, she waited until she heard footsteps on the other side of the door. As the door flung open, seeing the messy state of Axel, who looked like he had been crying his heart out. His eyes were red and puffy, and his face was void of colour. Y/N had little time to eat her share of guilt, being pulled quickly into a hug. They stayed in the embrace for a while. The sound of a throat clearing brought them back to reality. "Come on, Axe, stop hogging her."

As the singer entered the room for the first time since the fight, she made sure that she patched things up with everyone before enjoying the treats she had brought. "So who were you with, cuz you did not spend the night alone with that much alcohol," Sabrina asked, taking a bite of her pastry and groaning at how good it tasted. "Spent it with a friend", the songwriter replied. "You spend it with a friend. I don't know, Y/N, that sounds hard to believe," Onyx said, knowing how difficult it was for his friend to socialise on her own.

"Alcohol makes things easier," the girl said without a second thought, but she instantly regretted it as her friends gasped - it turns out they weren't completely brain-dead. "Oh my god, did you…" Axel asked, trailing off and waiting for a reply. "Yeah, it sorta just happened," the singer said as she took another sip of orange juice. "It wasn't him, was it," Sabrina asked, genuinely concerned that Y/N ended up in Kylian's arms after the fight. "Oh god, no." the singer's eyes widened at the thought, though what she did maybe ten times worse in some people's eyes. "Look, you don't have to tell us, just know that we are here for you", and with those words of comfort from Sabrina, the group of four got ready to put on the show of a lifetime.

sab.rina . 2hr ago

seen by axeman yourinstagram and 9,778,622 others

onyxisarock . 2hr ago

seen by vicdeangiles ethanskin and 8,117,389 others

bloodyvalentine

liked by sab.rina k.mbappe and 45,911,346 others ➻ tagged yourinstagram sab.rina onyxisarock axeman

bloodyvalentine are you ready paris

comments have been limited

yourinstagram can't wait

sab.rina dame who are those cuties? ⤷ onyxisastone idk where can I get their number

axeman 🔥🔥🔥

user can't wait for tonight

user wish i had tickets

axeman

liked by onyxisastone yourinstagram and 30,119,696 others

axeman been ready my whole life

comments have been disabled

[mchiti]

italian commentators arguing on who's the best colombian player and they were like "james rodriguez" "james rodriguez the best colombian player????" "well I'm not saying so, colombians say so" and the other replied "well I don't know...I didn't expect james rodriguez to be so fundamental to colombia still...since our attention is now on such a talent as luis diaz now" see the culture of the moment, I dislike it so much in football. Luis diaz's a super great player but there's no need to disrespect james rodriguez? he could've had a better career and we all know but he's been a great player and granted I don't know if he's still the most loved colombian player as I'm not colombian, I'm sure there's a reason while he's very much loved and this reason might also be going beyond football (attachment, history, first achievements, pride). It's like what Hakim Ziyech is for us moroccans even tho he's also a player who was a bit unlucky on an international level. Like sometimes you don't have to questions legacy you know, it's not just about playing in the prem and shit

[youridlisen]

Berber Tattooing: Exploring Amazigh Tattoo Culture and Moroccan Women’s Face Tattoos (Book)

Berber tattoos, also referred to as Amazigh tattoos, serve as a vibrant reflection of the diverse cultural heritage of North Africa's indigenous Berber population. These meticulously crafted and captivating tattoos transcend mere skin-deep artistry; they function as vessels embodying the rich tapestry of heritage, social standing, and personal narratives seamlessly interwoven into the very fabric of Berber identity.

With a historical lineage stretching back millennia, the Berber people have fostered a profound connection with the natural world. Within the realm of Berber tattoos, this deep affinity manifests through a striking array of symbolic depictions, each laden with profound meanings that resonate with life, belief systems, and pivotal moments.

Nature assumes a central role in the realm of Berber tattoos, where symbols bear the imprint of animals, plants, and celestial bodies. The towering palm tree, symbolizing strength, growth, and resilience, serves as a potent representation of life and prosperity deeply ingrained in Berber culture. Likewise, the snake, embodying a guardian spirit, symbolizes wisdom and healing, acting as a protective force against malevolent influences and ushering in good fortune.

Amazon Link: a.co/d/gRSF3Jy

Drawing from ancient Egyptian iconography, the Berber people adopted the Eye of Horus, a potent symbol believed to ward off evil and usher in good luck. Equally significant is the Hand of Fatima, an open palm that serves as a protective talisman against the evil eye and negative energies.

The Amazigh Cross, often referred to as the “Agadez Cross,” serves as a compass of sorts, offering guidance and orientation during travels and life’s journeys. In the vibrant world of Berber tattoos, women play a central role, embodying themes of fertility, femininity, and the enduring legacy of the tribe.

Berber tattoos are not mere embellishments; they are markers of life’s milestones and rites of passage. For young Berber girls, their first tattoos, often received during puberty, symbolize the transition into womanhood and eligibility for marriage. These tattoos bear not only ink but the weight of cultural identity and pride.

The complexity and number of tattoos worn can also signify an individual’s standing within the community. Leaders and elders, with their wealth of wisdom and life experiences, may display more intricate and elaborate tattoos.

From “Berber Tattooing: Exploring Amazigh Tattoo Culture and Moroccan Women’s Face Tattoos”, illustrated by Mohammed Jiari

In recent times, there has been a renaissance of interest in Berber tattoos. Efforts to preserve and reinvigorate this ancient art form have borne fruit. Modern-day artists and tattoo enthusiasts explore the depths of Berber symbolism, infusing tradition with innovation to create contemporary designs that pay homage to the past.

This resurgence is not only about the art itself but also about nurturing cultural pride and identity among the Berber community. These timeless designs remain a vibrant and integral part of Berber heritage, ensuring that the symbolic meanings of Berber tattoos continue to thrive, enchanting and resonating with generations to come.

[caleb-marlowe]

Henry Kissinger was Secretary of State for the US. His legacy is:

1. Organizing detente with China. Which would lead to normalized relations with China leading to the China of today, which depending on where you live today might either make you happy, sad, concern, or furious.

2. Advocating for the unrestricted bombing in Cambodia to stop the Vietcong from using the Ho Chi Minh trail, a complete fucking war crime as Cambodia was not involved, was at peace with the US and had little to do with Vietnam. This laid the groundwork for an upswell of support for the Khmer Rouge, who then went on to commit genocide. Even after the genocide, Kissinger advocated for friendship with the Khmer Rouge, as they were more aligned with Beijing than Moscow.

3. He supported Pakistani military dictators and generals against Bengal's war of independence. The Pakistanis were committing what has been called "selective genocide".

4. He worked towards detente with the USSR and Brezhnev, including SALT 1, aimed at limiting nuclear proliferation.

5. Kissinger didn't tell Nixon immediately about the outbreak of the Yom Kippur war, as he worried Nixon would get involved before the situation would be beneficial to Israel.

6. Kissinger was a key player in having Allende assassinated in Chile, replacing him with the right-wing dictator and murderous bastard, Augusto Pinochet.

7. He supported the Argentinian Junta for couping Isabella Peron, who had won her democratic election. This junta would go on to murder and disappear tens of thousands, culminating in the Falklands war.

8. Kissinger was a proponent of Brazil getting a nuclear weapons program, mainly because it was a right-wing junta in power.

9. Kissinger publicly engaged in talks with Rhodesia to put an end to the war, and transition to black majority rule. Privately, he told the racist, apartheid loving Ian Smith that he admired him.

10. Following the breakdown of Estado in Portugal (Salazzar's dictatorship), decolonization started for what remained of the Portuguese empire. One of those was East Timor. Sudharta, Indonesia's military ruler, decided he would annex the territory, and damn the wants and desires of local East Timorans. Kissinger supported the Indonesian president, in an on-going occupation that has killed many, many tens of thousands. It's possibly worse and more brutal than the Israeli occupation of West Bank, but no one cares.

11. West Sahara, a problem area to this day, was forcibly conceded away from Spain. Kissinger supported passing this territory, despite the locals desire for independence, and didn't inform President Ford about an upcoming Moroccan invasion. Another whoopsie moment, I guess.

12. Aided in behind-the-back talks with Vietcong forces to keep the Vietnam War going, sabotaging peace talks with Johnson and South Viet government which prolonged the War another five years (!) until Nixon could conveniently end the war. As well as Operation Menu and Operation Freedom Deal, Vietnam War era atrocities ordered by Nixon and Kissinger to bomb the ever-loving shit out of Cambodia, with an estimated 55,000-150,000 civilian deaths and causing a massive refugee crisis, and to this day the soil in that region of Cambodia is thick with unexploded bombs.

Via Reddit, u/JustMyOpinionz

[blkforester]

Born under the relentless heat of the Moroccan sun, yet raised amidst the rhythmic beats of Jamaican reggae, the man carries the soul of two worlds in his veins. His life has been a journey of embracing contrasts—navigating the dusty, sun-drenched landscapes of the Atlas Mountains and the vibrant, carefree spirit of the Caribbean coast. His tattoos, etched with the intricate geometry of Morocco and the bold symbols of Jamaican freedom, tell the stories of his ancestors, each line a legacy of resilience. With the gold amulet passed down through generations, he stands tall, embodying the strength of his heritage. The desert wind and the ocean breeze have shaped him, merging the spirit of two cultures into one powerful identity. Proud and unwavering, he walks through the world as a living testament to the richness of his roots—an enduring blend of desert heat and island rhythm.

[johnsonemy]

My Journey with Moroccan Rugs: A Touch of Tradition

When I first discovered Moroccan rugs, I knew they were more than just decor—they were rich with history and artistry. I began exploring Berber rugs, which are handcrafted by Moroccan tribes. What fascinated me most was the deep cultural meaning behind the patterns. Every pattern Berber carpet reflects a personal story or tribal tradition, which makes each rug unique and full of life.

While searching for the perfect addition to my home, I came across vintage Moroccan carpets. These older pieces, worn by time, felt like they carried stories from past generations. I found myself drawn to their authenticity and the idea of owning something with a history.

Eventually, I chose an abstract Moroccan rug that blended modern design with traditional craftsmanship. The bold, artistic patterns gave it a contemporary feel, yet it still held the essence of Moroccan culture. The use of natural wool and plant-based dyes in the rug’s creation made it both eco-friendly and durable—qualities I really appreciate.

Owning a Moroccan rug has transformed my living space. It adds warmth, character, and a connection to a rich cultural heritage. It’s more than just a beautiful piece on my floor—it’s a symbol of tradition and skilled craftsmanship.

If you’re considering a Berber rug, I highly recommend it. It’s not just about style; it’s about bringing a piece of Morocco’s artistic legacy into your home, and I promise, you’ll feel the difference it makes.

[babalmaghrib]

Zellij fragment, 1350 ~ (14th century), Tangier, Morocco

— Conserved at the Royal Museums of Art & History in Brussels, Belgium

[totallyhussein-blog]

The stories we share and the legacy of food

Throughout the history of the Jewish people, food has served as a bridge between their ancient heritage and the present day, as Daniela Ghelman explains in the Boca Raton Observer.

Culinary Curator and Jewish and Israeli Food Specialist Naama Shefi’s latest cookbook, “The Jewish Holiday Table: A World of Recipes, Traditions & Stories To Celebrate All Year Long,” highlights this connection exceptionally well.

Hailing from Givat HaShlosha, a small kibbutz in central Israel, Shefi arrived in New York City in 2005, following a career path in film. While navigating the bustling pace of her new life in America, she turned to food to reconnect and strengthen her Jewish identity.

She began organizing various culinary events across the city, such as gefilte fish conferences, an Israeli Moroccan Seder and an Iraqi Jewish comfort food pop-up. These projects paved the way for the Jewish Food Society, a nonprofit that Shefi founded in 2017 that preserves, celebrates and revitalizes Jewish culinary heritage.

“Following the success of launching many delicious Jewish food events across the city, I started to imagine a home for Jewish food,” says Shefi, 43, of the nonprofit. A great inspiration was her husband’s grandmother, Nonna, who Shefi says opened her eyes to the connectivity, hospitality and spirit around the Shabbat table.

“I thought back to Nonna and realized there are countless cooks like her whose recipes tell the stories not only of their lives and those before them but also of their communities and Jewish experience. I knew that if those recipes disappeared, so would a crucial and irreplaceable part of our history and culture.”

[dry-valleys]

اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ

The seventh and last part of my Morocco series (please see here, here, here, here, here and here for more).

Marrakech became the capital city of an empire spanning Africa and Europe when it was founded by the Almoravid dynasty in 1070 and Islam, which has been the foremost religion (alongside a large Jewish minority) since Morocco was conquered by the Arabs in 709 AD, has always set the tone of the city.

Ben Youssef Mosque was built here by Ali ibn Yusuf (1106-1142 AD), who was an Almoravid, and the site is now home to Ben Youssef Madrasa since 1565.

A madrasa, or theological school, has been here since Abu Al Hasan ibn Othman of the Marninid Dynasty (1244-1465) founded it between 1331 and 1348 and this building has stood since commissioned by Abdallah Al Ghalib of the Saadian dynasty (1549-1659), who also built palaces and tombs that you can read about in my other posts.

(This is mainly a post about the 16th and 17th centuries; please see here and here for earlier and later eras).

The Saadians were sharifs (descendants of Mohammed, the founder of Islam, or his family) and thus felt a duty that they took seriously, and carried out well, as you can see from what they left behind.

They were also mindful of the links to Europe which their country had had since European times, and which has left its mark in Morocco since the Koutoubia Mosque, built 1147 AD by the Almohad dynastY, who overthrew the Almoravids earlier that year. (The Koutoubia is twinned with a mosque in Cordoba, in what is now Spain, which sounds absolutely lush, though I’ve never been there).

As the Museum with No Frontiers points out, “if anything can be singled out as the leitmotif running through the area of the Mediterranean, it is diversity of expression combined with the harmony of sentiment, a sentiment more cultural than religious”. I’d love to test this out in Cordoba or Seville one day!

Indeed the Andalusi marble basin, built in 1002-1007 AD, went from Morocco to Cordoba and came back; it now lives here as a sign of those who came here after 1492, when the last Muslim power in what is now Spain was cast out.

At that time, all Muslims and Jews were expelled from the Spanish state, and many came here, as it was the nearest friendly country and many of their forefathers came from Morocco; they were just as much European as Islamic and African, and brought back a legacy that infuses all Saadian and later buildings.

Because the state religion was (and is) Islam, both theologians and lawyers were trained in a madrasa that taught 800 students and was thereby the largest in Morocco.

This school worked tirelessly until it was shut down in 1960; it then reopened as a museum in 1982 and was restored between 2018 and 2022 on the orders of King Mohammed VI, showing the links between religion of state that have always existed in Morocco, though without becoming an Iranian-style theocracy.

Since it was built just after a wave of migration from Europe to Morocco, and has strong European influences painted on to the Islamic bedrock (both Arabic and that of the Berber folk who have always lived here), this shows the sheer Moroccan-ness that makes Morocco distinctive.

فِى بُيُوتٍ أَذِنَ ٱللَّهُ أَن تُرْفَعَ وَيُذْكَرَ فِيهَا ٱسْمُهُۥ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُۥ فِيهَا بِٱلْغُدُوِّ وَٱلْـَٔاصَالِ

[mywifeleftme]

59: Nass El Ghiwane // Nass El Ghiwane

Nass El Ghiwane Nass El Ghiwane 1976, Plein Soleil

The job of a label press release is to pique interest in a record, and when you’re in the ~*world music*~ reissue business that usually means trying to find a parallel between your artist and a familiar touchstone, angling for the off chance an openminded shopper will take a shot and throw your record into the day’s stack. This is the ship that launched a thousand “the [western artist] of [non-western country]” blurbs (“The Hendrix of Turkey!” “The Joni Mitchell of Zambia!” “The Mort Garson of Brunei!” etc.). It worked on me when a somewhat younger, much callower version of myself snagged Nass El Ghiwane (1976) from a shop that’d taped an excerpt of the press release to the sleeve. Here it is in full:

“Formed in 1971, Nass El Ghiwane's five members first performed in the avant-garde of Morocco's underground theater scene. Following their debut performance as a band in Rabat at Tayeb Seddiki's Mohammed V Theatre, their songs became the 1970s anthems of Moroccan youth -- nationalist, rebellious, experimental, and bygone all at once. They are Morocco's most enduring musical legacy. They modernized the way music was transmitted to the disenchanted and rebellious youth of their country. Their concerts would turn into riots as their music and lyrics incited deep affection from their virulent fan base. Their music echoes medieval Moroccan oral traditions; coming from the Gnawa trance music of their ancestors, they sang tales of Sufi mystics and wrote lyrics that criticized the conservative monarchy of Mohammed V. They were the first to introduce the banjo, guembri, and colloquial Moroccan Arabic in their version of the shaabi genre. Nass El Ghiwane were a huge influence on Algeria's modern Raï movement, as Cheb Khaled started his career covering Nass El Ghiwane's songs. This is exemplary trance music and the foundation of the modern era in Moroccan music. Martin Scorsese has called them "‘The Rolling Stones of Morocco.’" It could be argued that Scorsese's claim would be more accurate if the Stones were fronted by Bob Dylan. This is the first ever vinyl reissue of their third album from 1976, one of the most desired LPs in their legendary discography. Fully remastered sound.”

It's a near platonic ideal of its kind—rife with dope-sounding references (Gnawa trance music! Sufi mystics! Concerts breaking out into riots!), and intriguing bold-type names.* I might have had no idea who Cheb Khaled was, but the wording insinuated I should and would like to, and the references to the Stones and Dylan suggested I was holding some kind of wicked fusion of Arabic folk music and heavy rock. Which anyone who knows anything about Gnawa trance music, or shaabi, or Raï, probably could’ve told me it wasn’t, but none of those people were in Sonic Boom Records at that time, so they didn’t, and I ended up with a record I really didn’t know what to make of for quite a while.

To paraphrase writer Ralph Wiley’s rejoinder to Saul Bellow’s (allegedly) dismissive question, “Who is the Tolstoy of the Zulus?”, the Rolling Stones are the Rolling Stones of Morocco, and Dylan is the Dylan of Morocco. Nass El Ghiwane are similar to these acts in the sense that they were famous and countercultural in their own society, but what that meant in a Moroccan context, and in musical terms, is very different. “Nass El Ghiwane isn’t a pop group in the classical sense, but more of a theatre group that sings,” noted Tayeb Seddiki, a theater director who helped launch their career. He continues:

“They’re sort of troubadours. In the Atlas Mountains, we have three or four poets who travel from souk to souk, from village to village, singing stories from a political, economic or sociological viewpoint that deeply interests people. […] Nass El Ghiwane were the first, and they still are. Moroccans recognize themselves in the group. They see their problems reflected in their songs, their daily lives and all their issues.”

This is something close to a working definition of the appeal of any ethnic or national folk music, music that seems to concentrate the experience of living within one’s culture into song. Like many American and British folk revival artists of the ‘50s and ‘60s, Nass El Ghiwane began by performing and reinterpreting traditional songs. In their case, this was romantic poetry that had been preserved through oral traditions going back generations. Once thoroughly steeped in the scales and structures of these familiar songs, they began to also create original material that felt to Moroccans like an organic outgrowth of their proud musical lineage.

Though I eventually grew to appreciate the insistent rhythms and passionate group vocals of the LP I’d purchased, it wasn’t until I watched the 1981 documentary/concert film Trances (الحال) by director Ahmed El Maânouni that I got a better handle on what made Nass El Ghiwane such a profound experience to their fans. (I highly recommend this 88-minute film, which Criterion re-released in the 2000s. I was able to easily find a high quality rip on the Internet Archive, and this YouTube version is decent.) Nass El Ghiwane’s performances alternated between dramatic spoken word monologues and incantatory rave ups which left audiences in exhausted, cleansed heaps. The film makes explicit the connections between the ecstatic healing rituals of the Gnawa and the wild dancing of the band’s young fans:

Here, at last, comes the time of ecstasy, of trances

Those who refuse to their senses the gift of trances shall wither

Trances also gives welcome insight into each member’s personality and role in the band. There is virtuosic banjo player Allal Yaâla, a quiet Black Moroccan with a mastery of Arabic, Berber, and occidental scales who taught the others much of their original repertoire. Tabla drummer and frequent lead singer Larbi Batma was their soul, a lanky, intense poet whose seriousness was offset by the sly humour of bendir (handheld frame drum) player Omar Sayed, the strongest actor of the troupe and perhaps its most gifted singer. The longest-running version of the band was rounded out by Abderrahmane "Paco" Kirouche on sintir (a sort of bass lute) and daadoua (a shoulder-held goblet drum), a robust man who’d been a woodcarver before finding musical success.

Nass El Ghiwane is an LP I appreciate more as I discover more of its context, knowing not only who these men are but how their talents fit together; some notion of where their music came from, and how audiences of their time received it. It benefits from being played as loudly as you’re comfortable with and being listened to in a meditative frame of mind. Nass El Ghiwane were “the Nass El Ghiwane of Morocco” just as they are the Nass El Ghiwane of Canada, Cambodia, and Fiji—but if a Scorsese quote comparing them to the Stones is what got me listening to them, I reckon that’s fair enough.

59/365

* Also, bless the Plein Soleil press release writers for bolding Mohammed V’s name, in case there were any real Alawi-dynasty heads out there in record-land. Worth noting they got the wrong king though, as it was actually Mohammed V’s son Hassan II who was in power during NEG’s heyday!

[laforzadelvoila]

Loreen: how a legacy of warrior women helped the star win Eurovision

I get to sit down not once, but twice, with Loreen, all in the space of a week. Our time together has done my soul a lot of good, she’s definitely calmed me. The first thing you need to know about the Swedish pop star is that spirituality is everything to her. This also leads to the Libra quickly trying to guess every crew member’s star signs on set for her Rolling Stone UK digital cover shoot. We’re meant to delve into the enigma that is Loreen right at the end of a frankly delirious day on set (soundtracked nearly solely by FKA Twigs’ and Pa Salieu’s banger ‘honda’). But everything runs well over and a planned eight-hour day, quickly slips into 11 hours, and she’s pretty exhausted. Our interview is subsequently moved to the weekend to take place at her London hotel. And breathe.

Loreen, a name now so synonymous with Eurovision, never watched the singing event, or its Swedish feeder, Melodifestivalen as a child. She’s one of six kids, raised by a single mum. “I was just a weird kid. I preferred my own company,” she recalls. “I was raised in a big family. A lot of siblings, a lot of helping Mother out because she was alone, trying to make ends meet. We didn’t have much. We had three channels and I didn’t know anything about Melodifestivalen or Eurovision. I just knew at some point in my life, very late though, that I wanted to work with music. I was just trying to find my way wherever I went.” Loreen, 39, has now competed in the Swedish Eurovision selection process four times, making it through twice, and winning both years – pretty good going. Her determination means her name will forever appear in pop music history books.

Raised in a spiritual family, it continues to act as a key component to her personality and outlook on life. She loves nature, star signs, meditating and even has a house she can take herself away to on the remote Swedish island of Gotland. Her Moroccan roots and heritage, she says, provide for a very spiritual backdrop and are a massive influence here, too. “I know what suffering feels like. If you’ve been in pain, and allowed yourself to be in pain, or life has given you painful situations, at some point, when you see another person in pain? Ooof, I can feel that, and I know what you’re going through, I can imagine what you’re going through. That’s why you can’t stop from reacting.”

Her childhood wasn’t easy. Along with her five siblings she grew up “poor”, which led her to start questioning things at an early age. “Why is that happening? Why am I doing that, what is this all about? That’s where spiritually starts,” she says. “So in my house, these conversations happened. ‘Why don’t we have what they have? What’s the purpose of that? That’s unfair. Those people died over there. Why is it like that?’ Spirituality is about questioning your environment and understanding the bigger picture of things.”

Meeting the artist for a second time feels like a huge intake of fresh air. I arrive at Kings Cross, albeit 10 minutes late, and there’s a massive air of calm ready to greet me. Loreen is sitting in the lobby of The Standard London hotel drinking a slightly tepid cup of Earl Grey tea. This time she’s dressed down in an all-black ensemble and instantly recognises me when I arrive. After giving me a hug, she is desperate to know what we’re going to talk about. We settle on: everything.

The star has been vocal about her initial reluctance for a possible Eurovision return. So much so that she originally turned down the idea of using fiery pop anthem ‘Tattoo’ for Melodifestivalen after being sent a demo. How different things could have been. “I was afraid,” she admits. “That was just my initial reaction [when asked to return to Melodifestivalen], because everything went so fast for us. First there was a song, and I loved the song. There was no talking about Melfest. It was just a beautiful song and I wanted to release it.”

From all directions, she was firmly nudged into entering it, in what turned out to be her fourth whirl at Melodifestivalen. “Initially, I said, ‘No, no, no, no!’ I usually do that when I don’t know the purpose of why I’m doing something. Initially, I said no, because I needed time to figure things out. When I say time to figure things out, what I mean is, I need to understand why I do things.”

Everything that happens in Loreen’s life acts as a test, she believes. The prospect of a Eurovision return is a prime example. “What is the story? What can I give you guys? Is this meant for me to do? If you’re at a crossroad, are you going to go right? Or are you going to go left? You can’t really rush into that. That’s why I said no. I said no for a while. I just thought, ‘How do I navigate this?’”

As time passed, signs it was lining up to be a good call started to appear, pointing in her direction. “They were beautiful, beautiful signs. The first was the song, the second sign was the people that I trusted around me, they were so happy whenever I said, ‘Yes’. There were so many positive things happening. People were happy and curious. That’s why I said yes, basically.”

There is such a strong sense of purpose that ripples through everything Loreen does. When she competed in Azerbaijan back in 2012, a country marred by its questionable human rights record, she was the only entrant to meet local human rights activists. She told reporters: “Human rights are violated in Azerbaijan every day. One should not be silent about such things.” An Azerbaijan government spokesman responded critically, calling for the contest to not “be politicised”, and demanded the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) prevent such meetings. But Swedish diplomats stayed firmly on her side. They replied that the EBU, the Swedish broadcaster SVT and Loreen had not acted against the competition’s rules.

Loreen is publicly bisexual, coming out in a TV interview in 2017. Eurovision and the LGBTQ+ community have strong ties, too. Previous LGBTQ+ contestants and winners such as trans star Dana International, drag queen Conchita Wurst and Duncan Laurence have all found success in the competition. She loves her queer fans dearly, too. The ‘Euphoria’ singer told TV host Renée Nyberg at the time: “Many people are so focused on sex, on sexuality. Love is so much more. I usually say ‘Love is where you find it’”. When asked to clarify whether this meant she identifies as bisexual, Loreen said she “quite simply” was.

Unsurprisingly, she has LGBTQ+ fans messaging her all the time. “I absolutely love that. Queer or not queer, I don’t see that, I just see us as people with certain attributes. That’s why I say these are my people. We have the same mindset. The thing is, if somebody asked me, ‘What is freedom, what is feeling free?’, that is just doing exactly what you feel like, expressing yourself exactly the way you want to express yourself. Clothe yourself the way you want to clothe yourself, talk the way you want to talk. Don’t care about what other people think. This is true freedom.”

She goes on passionately: “This community, we know what freedom is about and what that feels like. If you compare it to another community where there are rules and regulations… where someone says, you need to talk like this and be like this, that’s a f**king jail! I cannot do that. For me, when somebody says, ‘You are weird’ to me, that’s [them saying] that I’m free.”

“The women from my mother’s mother’s side, these are real warriors. Historically, the women from my tribe, they’re called Berber.” She explains that this word comes from ‘Barbarian’, and adds: “They were called Barbarians by the Egyptians because they were so aggressive. The women were so aggressive. Isn’t that interesting?” She smiles: “The women from my tribe, they weren’t so interested in monogamy, but being in a relationship. Historically, they went out to the village in search of a man. ‘You’re coming with me,’ right? They did whatever they wanted to do. Then they said, ‘Ta ta,’ and they raised their children by themselves. This whole concept of husband and wife was never a concept. They used these women in war, because they were like, ‘Ahhhhhh!’”

This energy is “generational”, Loreen confirms, but that seemed obvious from the get-go, and especially reflective, she says, through her grandmother. “My great grandmother, my grandmother, all of these women, they had a life presented to them. They were told, ‘This is what your life is going to be like,’ by men, but instead, they were like, ‘F**k no!’ They fought for their freedom. My great grandmother, she loved her husband, he died in the war. They wanted her to marry someone else. So, what does the bitch do? She says, ‘F**k no’.”

Her grandmother took her two children away to a different city, dressed as a man “with a kaftan and everything” and they fled, alongside her housekeeper. “I have pictures of her at home, seriously! She left everything behind, dressed as a man, so that nobody would notice her. She had a cousin in the next city, opened up a store, still dressed as a man, till she got f**king old. She raised those two children by herself with some help from her cousins and never married again. I have a picture of her; she didn’t stop wearing male clothes, she did until she died. The kaftan, the hat, the gold tooth. That was hardcore from my grandma!”

The unravelling of these “huge” stories leads her to repeat my initial question back to me: “So how was it, raised by these women? It’s a lot of pressure!” she laughs. “They have a lot of expectations of me. Like, girl, you better step up your game, change something in the world. It’s crazy to see what women can do. Women are so much more powerful, stronger than men are. That’s why we can have babies and s**t like that, just saying!”

It’s not just the women in her family who provide inspiration, but “all women within the industry that stand their ground”, she tells me. “You can tell when women are standing their ground and not buying into that whole concept of what a woman’s supposed to be. I’m not saying that women aren’t supposed to be sexy. Grace Jones, for instance, she owns her sexuality. She can run around naked. She’s still doing it! There are so many, not even just in the industry. All women [inspire me] because they’re taking positions for the next generation, they’re balancing things up. It’s necessary and it’s inevitable. It’s going to happen. The shift is going to happen, and men will take a step back. The thing is, they’re longing for it, because they’re messing things up…”

Her Eurovision victory was Sweden’s seventh win, and means the nation will host the competition on the 50th anniversary of Abba’s 1974 win. Many fans are begging the group to make a triumphant return to the stage, but after Abba recently created the Voyage experience featuring avatars of themselves, surely that amounts to a deliberate act to make sure they’d never have to perform again? Loreen is convinced they will be at the event. If I were a bookmaker, I’d feel inclined to back her on this.

“They’re going to be there,” she insists. “Maybe not all of them, but they won’t miss it. I promise. How old are they? They all have their own lives. They haven’t really played together in a while. But I’m pretty sure that some of them will be there. Don’t tell them I told you!”

Before she returns to Eurovision again, there’s a giant 2023 in store for Loreen. With tickets for her ‘Tattoo’ tour selling out in literally seconds, it seems Loreen’s going absolutely nowhere. “I’ve been waiting for this tour for years,” she exclaims. “My fans are like, ‘Can you please come to England? Can you please come to Spain? Can you please come to France?’ and now I’m coming! Finally, I’m doing this, and with everything that’s happened with ‘Tattoo’ it’s just a perfect time. I’m longing for it. I’ve longed for it for many years. So it’s going to be nice. I’m a people’s person, I just want to connect.”

Connection is the key feeling again for Loreen. It all feeds back to her spirituality, which has been the dominant force in her life since she was a kid. I point out that there’s no better place for an artist to connect with all their fans than taking themselves on tour. “Yeah! because we gather,” she notes. “They’re there because they want to be there, and I’m there because I want to be there. It’s effortless.” Loreen is already full of ideas. She is, she reminds me, “a bloody creative” after all. “I’m working with the same team that I did ‘Tattoo’ with. It depends on the venues, but it’s going to be a visual performance, obviously.”

She’s heading straight to the studio after our interview. “I haven’t released that much music over the years,” but she promises that absolutely will change. “Now there’s a shift going on, there’s going to be a lot more releases, which is nice. This year and next year. My medium, she told me that!” A move to London is likely, too. “I think it’s actually going to happen. I’m pretty sure. Hello, London! I don’t know what it is, but it’s almost like the UK is a creative hub.” Her top picks of UK artists to work with? Labrinth and Burna Boy. Watch this space.

As our interview wraps, Loreen gives me a huge hug. She made a point of hugging the whole crew on our shoot day earlier in the week, too. It’s a warmth that exudes from her at every stage. “I know we’ll meet again soon,” she says before she departs. “I just know it will happen.”

• Source: Rolling Stone UK •