Shams al-'Ashiya

The musician and researcher specializing in Moroccan musical heritage, Abdeslam Khaloufi, classifies it as a sana'a (صنعة) of Mizān Qudām al-Māya (ميزان قدام الماية), or Nawbat al-Māya (نوبة الماية).[1] It is a piece of zajal poetry, meaning that it is in Andalusi dialectical Arabic rather than Standard Arabic.[1][3] It spread throughout Morocco, though its author/composer is unknown.[1]

This piece is a standard of Andalusi music and has been performed by many major Moroccan ensembles, including: the National Broadcast Ensemble led by Moulay Ahmed Loukili, the al-Barihi Ensemble led by Abdelkrim Rais, and the Ensemble of the Institute of Music in Tetuan led by Mohamed Larbi Temsamani.[1] The rendition by Mohamed Bajeddoub is also very popular.[1]

Recently, it has also been reinterpreted by Nabyla Maan.[1][4][5]

The subject of the poem is the setting sun, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for the departure or loss of a friend or loved one.[1]

The piece also attests to historic trade relations between the region and the Venetian Republic, as the song mentions "al-Awani l-Bunduqiya" (الأواني البندقية, "the Venetian glassware") imported from Venice.[6]