Photo : Cherifa-Kersit-by-Jean-Herve-Vidal
The concert "Words of the Heart - Music of the Plains and Mountains"
From the Moroccan Atlas to the Atlantic plains, this show invites young and old to discover the richness of the artistic heritage of Amazigh (Berber) women.
Philharmonie de Paris (Paris 19th)
About
The journey begins in the Middle Atlas with Chérifa Kersit. Originally from the city of Khénifra, the singer began her musical career in the early 1980s and has established herself over time as an immense cheikhat (traditional Amazigh poet), with a free and powerful voice. She is accompanied by three musicians playing the bendir (drum) and the lotar (a type of oud).
Next comes the Lâabat Ensemble, composed entirely of women living in the city of Ben Slimane (north of Casablanca). Affirming a gesture of feminine transmission, the group uses traditional rhythms and instruments to express songs of lament and love. The dance, which sometimes evokes flamenco, becomes one with the music.
Cast
- Chérifa Kersit, vocals
- Aziz Aarim, lotar
- Salah Maroufi, bendir
- Abdellaziz Harcha, bendir
- Lâabat Ensemble from Benslimane
- Alain Weber, presentation
- Lahsen Hira, presentation
Our take on this event
Take a deep dive into the raw power of Moroccan heritage through this celebration of desert and mountain melodies. From the commanding vocals of traditional amazigh poetry to the hypnotic rhythms and fluid movements of an all-female percussion ensemble, this is a rare chance to experience pure artistic transmission.
Join us on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 16:00 to 17:00 at the Philharmonie de Paris for the concert Paroles de coeur - Musique des plaines et des montagnes. This hour-long performance invites listeners aged 7 and up to explore the rich musical heritage of the Middle Atlas and the city of Ben Slimane. Featuring the powerful vocals of Chérifa Kersit and the traditional rhythms of the all-female Ensemble Lâabat, this event highlights authentic songs of love and lament. Tickets for Category 1 are priced at 16.00€, with a reduced rate of 12.00€ available for visitors under the age of 15.
The Philharmonie de Paris hosts a unique musical journey on October 31, 2026, titled Paroles de coeur - Musique des plaines et des montagnes. Running from 16:00 to 17:00, this concert is open to audiences aged 7 and above, offering a deep dive into Moroccan musical traditions. The first part of the program features the renowned Chérifa Kersit, an Amazigh poetess who has been performing since the 1980s. She will be accompanied by musicians Aziz Aarim on the lotar and Salah Maroufi and Abdellaziz Harcha on the bendir.
The second half showcases the Ensemble Lâabat, a group of women from Ben Slimane dedicated to preserving traditional rhythms and instruments. Their performance includes expressive dance elements reminiscent of flamenco, perfectly complementing their vocal narratives. The event will be presented by Alain Weber and Lahsen Hira.
Admission is 16.00€ for Category 1 seating. A discounted ticket price of 12.00€ is available for those under 15 years old.
