An Anthropological-Artistic Approach to Stambali Music - Between Ritual Characteristics and Therapeutic Connotations

Dr. Ali Mabrouk, Tunisia

This article focuses on a musical genre associated exclusively with Tunisia's Black minority. It is defined by a diverse range of rhythmic repertoires and a curative component. Indeed, this music represents a form of healing that has evolved over time and space and been influenced by the qualities of the distinct cultural milieu. 

It should also be noted that our investigation of “Stambali” led to an anthropological-artistic study of its ideological and religious heritage, because this musical practice consists of a set of religious rituals and sorcery with African roots.

These rituals were modified in line with the social and cultural context and, as a result, the music has been recognised as a genre of folk percussion similar to “Al-Malouf”.