Ha Walidi and the Gnawa Pulse: Morocco’s Musical Soul at the Heart of African Women’s Football

The air in the stadium was electric, a palpable buzz of anticipation that only a continental championship can generate. As the lights dimmed for the opening ceremony of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, a sound began to rise. It was a rhythm both ancient and new, a heartbeat that felt deeply Moroccan yet resonated with a universal pulse. This was the moment “Ha Walidi,” the chart-topping anthem by Moroccan artist Jaylann, took center stage, transforming a football ceremony into a profound cultural statement. The choice of this song was no mere entertainment; it was a symbolic fusion of tradition, empowerment, and pan-African celebration, powered by the undeniable spirit of Gnawa.

1. A Powerful Opening Ceremony: More Than Just a Kick-off

The WAFCON opening ceremony was a vibrant spectacle, a kaleidoscope of color, light, and energy designed to showcase Morocco’s rich heritage and its modern dynamism. Amidst the elaborate choreography and dazzling pyrotechnics, the musical centerpiece, “Ha Walidi,” emerged as the defining moment. As Jaylann’s powerful voice filled the stadium, the song’s infectious rhythm became an invitation—a call to celebrate not just the beautiful game, but the strength and grace of the women competing. This wasn’t just a song; it was an anthem for the occasion, a symbolic blending of Morocco’s deep-rooted cultural pride with the rising force of women’s football across Africa.

2. Ha Walidi: More Than a Hit, A Cultural Statement

“ها وليدي” (Ha Walidi), which translates loosely to an affectionate “Oh, my dear” or “Oh, my son,” exploded onto the Moroccan music scene with the force of a cultural phenomenon. Penned by the artist Jaylann in collaboration with producer and composer Beathoven, the song is a lyrical love letter to Morocco.

Its verses are woven with iconic threads of Moroccan life: the elegance of the caftan and djellaba, the sacred ritual of mint tea poured from a silver berrad, the noble power of charging horses in a Tbourida (fantasia), and an unwavering declaration of national pride in the Moroccan Sahara. The lyrics, “نموت على بلادي و والدي” (“I would die for my country and my parents”), resonate with a deep sense of collective identity and emotional connection. Its selection for the WAFCON ceremony was a deliberate and powerful tribute to African unity, viewed through the proud lens of Moroccan identity.

3. The Gnawa Legacy in Ha Walidi

To understand the soul of “Ha Walidi,” one must understand the pulse of Gnawa. This is not just music; it is a spiritual legacy. Gnawa music is a rich, mystical tradition brought to Morocco by West African slaves over centuries. It is a music of healing, of trance, and of spiritual communication, a testament to the resilience of a people who transformed the memory of their chains into a powerful, liberating sound.

The core of Gnawa music lies in its instrumentation and rhythmic complexity:

• The Guembri: A three-stringed bass lute, often made of a hollowed log and camel skin. Its deep, resonant thrum is the melodic and rhythmic backbone of any Gnawa ensemble, a sound that is both grounding and hypnotic. The maalem, or master musician, plays the guembri while leading the chants.
• The Krakebs (or Qarqabas): These large, iron castanets produce a loud, clattering sound, symbolizing the very chains and shackles worn by the ancestors of the Gnawa. In their rhythmic clash, there is a profound act of reclamation—turning a symbol of oppression into an instrument of spiritual liberation.
• Rhythmic Chants: The call-and-response singing style is central to Gnawa, creating a communal and participatory experience that builds in intensity.

While “Ha Walidi” is a modern pop track, it is infused with this “Gnawa pulse.” The song’s driving, repetitive rhythm and its power to create a feeling of collective euphoria are direct descendants of the Gnawa tradition. It taps into that same ancestral energy, that hypnotic quality that has the power to move both body and soul.

4. Music Meets Sport: Why Ha Walidi Was the Perfect Choice

The fusion of Gnawa’s spirit with the world of sport is a natural fit. Gnawa music is a profound metaphor for the athletic journey. Its history is one of resilience against the odds, its rhythm speaks of the endurance required to compete, and its spiritual core reflects the inner strength and unity of a team.

The rise of women’s football in Africa is a story of that same resilience. For decades, female athletes have pushed against barriers, fighting for recognition, resources, and the right to play. “Ha Walidi,” with its undercurrent of Gnawa fortitude, became a tribute to their strength. The song’s performance at the opening ceremony was a show-stopping moment. The visuals celebrated Moroccan culture, the choreography was a blend of modern and traditional dance, and the public reaction was one of overwhelming pride and unity. It was a declaration that the continent’s female footballers, like the Gnawa spirit, are a force of undeniable power and grace.

5. Modernizing the Heritage for a New Generation

The genius of “Ha Walidi” lies in its brilliant fusion of old and new. The production team, led by Beathoven and El Madani Mourad, masterfully wove traditional Moroccan melodic influences and rhythmic patterns with contemporary pop, jazz, and R&B beats. The inclusion of the violin, played by Jaylann’s own father, Said El Moujahid, adds a layer of classical elegance and intergenerational connection.

This modern sensibility ensured the song’s explosion across social media. On platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, “Ha Walidi” became more than a song—it became a trend. Young people across Morocco and the diaspora created videos showcasing their national pride, dancing to its rhythm, and connecting its message to their own lives. The track successfully bridged the gap between generations, connecting the youth to their heritage through a sound that felt fresh, relevant, and deeply inspiring. It became a soundtrack for a new generation’s expression of national pride, seamlessly linking music, sports, and digital culture.

Jaylann – Ha Wlidi | Foreigner Reaction | English & Original Version

Cojak Rap

6. Preserving and Promoting Moroccan Music Heritage

Hosting a tournament like WAFCON is about more than just football; it is a powerful platform for cultural diplomacy. By placing a song like “Ha Walidi” at the forefront of the opening ceremony, Morocco strategically showcased its cultural identity to the entire continent and the world. It was a masterclass in soft power, exporting a piece of its soul with pride.

This moment highlights a crucial cultural conversation: how to modernize traditions with respect. “Ha Walidi” succeeds by capturing the spirit of Gnawa—its resilience, its unifying power—without appropriating its sacred rituals. It brings the essence of the heritage to a mainstream audience, sparking curiosity and encouraging a deeper appreciation for the original art form. This success could serve as an inspiration across the continent, encouraging further artistic expression that is both deeply rooted in tradition and boldly contemporary.