Moroccan traditional music reflects the country's diverse cultural influences: Arab, Amazigh (Berber), Andalusian, Sub-Saharan African, and Mediterranean. Each region has its own distinct musical traditions, instruments, and rhythms. Music is deeply integrated into religious ceremonies, family celebrations, and communal gatherings.

UNESCO has recognized several Moroccan musical traditions as Intangible Cultural Heritage, including Gnawa music (2019), Malhun poetry, and Amazigh rituals. This rich heritage continues to inspire contemporary artists who blend traditional forms with modern genres.

Gnawa (or Gnaoua) is one of Morocco's most iconic musical traditions. Originating from the descendants of Sub-Saharan African slaves, Gnawa music combines spiritual healing rituals with hypnotic rhythms. The lila (night ceremony) is a spiritual event featuring music, dance, and trance states intended to heal and connect with ancestral spirits.

Instruments: The guembri (or sintir) — a three-stringed bass lute — is the central instrument, accompanied by qraqeb (metal castanets) and call-and-response vocals. Gnawa music has gained international fame through artists like Maalem Mahmoud Guinia, Maalem Hamid El Kasri, and collaborations with jazz and rock musicians.

The Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira, held annually, is one of Morocco's most celebrated events, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and international artists who fuse Gnawa with jazz, blues, and world music.

Andalusian music (Al-Ala) traces its origins to the Islamic courts of Al-Andalus (medieval Spain) and was preserved in Morocco after the Reconquista. It is a refined, classical genre performed by orchestras of violins, lutes (oud), rebab, and percussion. The city of Fes is the spiritual capital of Andalusian music, home to the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music where this tradition is celebrated.

Malhun is a form of urban Arabic poetry sung with orchestral accompaniment. Emerging in the 15th century, Malhun combines classical Arabic poetry with popular melodies. It remains highly popular, especially during weddings and national celebrations. Great Malhun poets like Abderrahmane El Majdoub (16th century) are still revered today.

Amazigh music encompasses diverse traditions across Morocco's regions: the High Atlas, Middle Atlas, Anti-Atlas, Souss Valley, and Rif Mountains. Each region has unique styles, instruments, and dances.

Ahidous is a communal dance and music form from the Middle Atlas and High Atlas. Men and women form circles, chanting poetry in Tamazight, accompanied by drums (bendir) and the rhythmic stamping of feet. Ahwash is a similar tradition from the Souss region (Anti-Atlas), featuring intricate polyrhythms and group choreography.

Contemporary Amazigh artists like Idir (although Kabyle, widely loved), Oudaden, Fatima Tabaamrant, Hassan Arsmouq, and Amarg have brought Berber music to national and international audiences. The recognition of Amazigh language as official in the 2011 constitution has further revitalized these traditions.

Chaabi (meaning "popular") emerged in the early 20th century as urban popular music, blending Andalusian, Amazigh, and rural traditions. It became the soundtrack of Moroccan cities, especially Casablanca. Legends like Nass El Ghiwane (formed in the 1970s) revolutionized Chaabi, infusing it with protest lyrics and Gnawa influences. Often called "The Rolling Stones of Africa," they remain iconic.

Rai music originated in Algeria but became immensely popular in Morocco, especially in the 1980s–90s. Moroccan artists like Cheb Kader and Cheb Simo contributed to the genre. Today, Moroccan pop is dominated by artists blending local sounds with global pop, R&B, and dance music.

Saad Lamjarred is the most successful Moroccan pop star, with billions of YouTube views. His hits like "Lm3allem" and "Ghazali" have made him a pan-Arab superstar. Other major pop artists include Hatim Ammor, Zina Daoudia, Asma Lmnawar, and Douzi.

Moroccan hip-hop emerged in the 1990s with groups like H-Kayne (from Meknes) and Fnaire (from Marrakech). These pioneers blended rap with local rhythms, addressing social issues, youth identity, and political critique. Don Bigg and Muslim are considered icons of Moroccan rap.

The 2010s saw an explosion of new talent, with artists like L7or, ElGrandeToto, Dizzy Dros, and Tagne achieving massive popularity. ElGrandeToto has become a pan-Arab rap superstar, collaborating with international artists and selling out arenas. Moroccan rap now dominates the Arab music charts, with a distinctive sound that incorporates local rhythms, Darija (Moroccan Arabic), and global trap influences.

Women rappers like Meryem Sadi and Shobee are also gaining recognition, challenging gender norms in the industry.

Moroccan dance is as diverse as its music, with each region preserving unique styles:

Many of these dances are performed at weddings, religious festivals (moussems), and national celebrations. The halqa tradition in Jemaa el-Fnaa also features acrobatic and comic dance performances.

Moroccan music is characterized by a rich array of traditional instruments:

These instruments are often played in ensembles specific to each musical tradition. Contemporary Moroccan music frequently incorporates these traditional instruments alongside modern synthesizers, guitars, and electronic beats.

Morocco hosts some of the world's most vibrant music festivals, attracting global audiences and artists.

Mawazine, held annually in Rabat, attracts over 2 million attendees and features international superstars alongside Moroccan artists. The Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira is a unique celebration of Gnawa music with international fusion. These festivals play a crucial role in preserving traditional music while promoting contemporary Moroccan artists to global audiences.