Brahim El Mazned Steps into a Pivotal Role at Rabat's Royal Theatre
Brahim El Mazned, a distinguished cultural entrepreneur and the visionary behind Visa For Music since its inception in 2014, has officially taken the reins as the Deputy General Director and Artistic Director of the Royal Theatre in Rabat. His inaugural address during the opening performance underscored the theatre's architectural grandeur and its cultural significance, aligning with the ambitious vision of the Moroccan monarchy. El Mazned characterized the opening event as an "exceptional artistic moment," signifying a substantial leap forward in enhancing the cultural stature of Rabat and Morocco as a whole.
The Royal Theatre boasts remarkable facilities, including a grand auditorium with a capacity of 1,800 seats, an intimate theater, and an expansive outdoor amphitheater that can accommodate up to 7,000 spectators. This impressive infrastructure positions Rabat as a globally recognized artistic hub, poised to host a myriad of cultural events.
Prior to his new role, Brahim El Mazned garnered acclaim as the founder of Visa For Music, a crucial platform for the African and Middle Eastern music industries, and as the artistic director of the esteemed Timitar Festival. His academic background in geography and history, coupled with his recognition as one of the "100 most influential personalities in sustainable cultural development" in the publication "The Adventurers of Culture: Guide to Cultural Diversity," highlights his profound impact on the cultural landscape.
With over 25 years of dedicated experience, El Mazned has played an instrumental role in promoting Moroccan and regional cultures through a variety of impactful artistic initiatives. His work with Anya, a music industry company, includes the establishment of an anthology that celebrates the rich tradition of Aïta (Chioukhs and Chikhates of Morocco) and the Rways. Furthermore, he holds positions in several notable organizations, such as the European Forum of Worldwide Music Festivals (EFWMF), the Hiba Foundation, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), and the Global Music Market Network (GloMMnet). In 2016, he launched MoMEx, an export office aimed at promoting Moroccan music on the international stage.
El Mazned's expertise has also been recognized at the international level, as he served as a member of the EU/UNESCO Expert Facility from 2019 to 2022, contributing to the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
