Video: Ribab Fusion Debuts at Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion
During last year’s reshuffling of Epcot’s World Showcase shows, long-time fan favorite musical group Mo’Rockin’ was moved out of the Morocco pavilion and replaced by a Berber band called B’net Al Houwariyate. Now, the revolving door of Epcot entertainment has rotated yet turned again: B’net has said goodbye (at least for the time being) and Ribab Fusion has made their debut at Epcot’s Morocco.
A popular band from North Africa, Ribab Fusion plays a Moroccan mix of 70’s jazz-funk and Fela-esque Afropop, characterized by use of the ribab bowed instrument. The frontman rocks a Jimi Hendrix ‘do and dashiki, and their 15-minute sets meander across a number of grooves without being broken up into defined songs. If you’re a fan of jam bands, or just need a place to stand and swallow your Food & Wine samples, Ribab Fusion may make a fine diversion. If you’re interested, catch them fast: their Epcot residency only runs through January 2.
Here’s a video of a full set from October 22, Ribab Fusion’s first day at Epcot:
I have no problem with B’net Al Houwariyate, but I’m glad they are refreshing this relatively soon. Here’s hoping they do it more — it makes World Showcase a lot more interesting to see new acts regularly, and I’m much more likely to stop and watch something that I haven’t already seen several times over the years…
I pray that B’net Al Houwariyate does not come back. They gave Me, my wife and two kids a headache. We used to love to relax in Morocco and listen to Mo Rockin. There was nothing relaxing about the sounds coming from B’net.