krakebs

Krakebs, also spelled qraqeb (plural qaraqeb), are a traditional North African percussion instrument best known from Gnawa music in Morocco and the wider Maghreb. They consist of two large metal plaques that are struck together to produce a bright, metallic clack. Musicians typically hold or wear a pair of krakebs, one in each hand, and manipulate them to create interlocking rhythmic patterns that form the driving core of the ensemble.

Construction and sound: Each krakeb is a pair of metal pieces connected by a hinge or chain, allowing the two parts to snap apart and slam back together. The resulting sound is sharp, resonant, and highly projecting, capable of cutting through other percussion and melodic textures in a performance.

Playing context: Krakebs are a central component of Gnawa ensembles, accompanying call-and-response vocals, chants, and other percussion such as bass drums or goblet drums. The patterns played on the krakebs are typically cyclical and interlock with other instruments, contributing the hypnotic groove characteristic of Gnawa music. Beyond traditional ceremonies, krakebs have also been incorporated into contemporary world music and fusion projects.

Origins and terminology: The instrument is associated with the Gnawa people, a spiritual-Arab-African tradition centered in Morocco. The term qraqeb is common in Arabic-speaking communities and is used interchangeably with krakebs in English-language descriptions.