The Sheikhat (also spelled Cheikhat or Chikhate) are traditional female performers in Moroccan culture. They are singers, dancers, and poets known especially for performing Aita, a form of popular folk music that originated in rural Morocco.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Role: They preserve and perform oral traditions — singing about love, resistance, daily struggles, and social issues.

Style: Their performances are passionate, raw, and deeply expressive. They often wear traditional, colorful Moroccan clothing.

Perception: Historically, Sheikhat were both celebrated and controversial — admired for their art but sometimes looked down upon due to conservative social norms.

Legacy: Today, many people see them as symbols of female strength, resilience, and cultural authenticity in Morocco.