Embracing Diversity and Musical Heritage at Mawazine
The vibrant cities of Rabat and Salé are buzzing with excitement as they prepare for the 21st edition of the Mawazine Festival, officially known as Mawazine-Rythmes du Monde. Scheduled to take place from June 19 to June 27, this highly anticipated event is held under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. Mawazine promises a rich cultural tapestry, presenting a diverse range of performances that span from authentic heritage repertoires to contemporary musical trends, with an array of popular tunes and African rhythms designed to captivate an extensive and varied audience.
In his remarks about this year's festival, Abdeslam Ahizoune, the festival president and head of the Morocco Cultures Association, reflected on the significant milestones that have shaped this international event since its inception in 2001. He emphasized the festival's commitment to making culture accessible to everyone and its pivotal role in promoting the national performing arts industry. Each year, Mawazine attracts over 2.5 million festival-goers, offering nine days of high-caliber artistic programming that is broadcasted worldwide and enjoyed by millions of viewers. Ahizoune highlighted that the festival's promotion of values like diversity, sharing, and tolerance represents one of its fundamental achievements.
A Star-Studded Lineup and Cultural Exchange
One of the festival's notable features is its ability to showcase the vibrant cultural and artistic energy of Morocco. With nearly 600 national and international journalists in attendance, each edition of Mawazine serves as a window into the extraordinary vitality and creativity of the Moroccan music scene, with the festival acting as an invaluable platform for artists. The National Theatre of Mohammed V in Rabat will host a series of Moroccan, Eastern, and international artistic evenings, all aimed at music enthusiasts eager for refined musical experiences in a venue steeped in history and tradition.
The opening night on June 19 will feature the iconic Syrian artist Mayada El Hennawy, a celebrated voice of the Arab golden age, followed by American jazz star Macy Gray on June 20. The program continues with performances by Cairo Opera singer Marwa Nagy on June 21, followed by the powerful Franco-Comorian singer Imany on June 22, and a special Moroccan evening with composer Nouamane Lahlou and malhoun performer Sanae Marahati on June 23. The eclectic lineup will also include Brazilian afro-pop icon Margareth Menezes on June 24, Tunisian singer Lotfi Bouchnak on June 25, and Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater on June 26, culminating in a grand concert by 1960s American icon Dionne Warwick on June 27.
Meanwhile, the Salé stage will feature the beloved voices of Moroccan music in both popular and contemporary forms. June 19 will begin with performances by Said Senhaji and Mehdi ould Hajib, followed by Aicha Maya and Rif Experience on June 20, who will present a mesmerizing Amazigh show. The 21st also includes popular music stars Tahour and Statia on June 21, rap artist 7ari on June 22, and Chaabi star Youssef Louzini Five Stars on June 23. The festival promises a wide array of Amazigh rhythms on June 24 with Saida Tytrit and Fatima Tabaamrant, followed by a showcase of chaabi music with Hamid Serghini and Abdelaziz Stati on June 25, culminating with Oulad El Bouazzaoui on June 26 and a performance by Walid Rahmani and Said Oueld Lhouate on June 27.
By dedicating half of its programming to Moroccan artists, Mawazine has positioned Salé as a central hub for all music lovers. The Bouregreg stage will also resonate with African music enthusiasts, offering a rich and diverse lineup that highlights the vibrancy of African musical creation. Kicking off with Togolese group The Ancestors on June 19 and Ghanaian star Stonebwoy on June 20, the stage will include Guinea's rising afrobeats star Djelykaba Bintou on June 21, followed by Angolan singer Pongo on June 22, and Ivorian artist Serge Beynaud on June 23. The lineup will continue with the legendary Senegalese Orchestra Baobab on June 24, Zambian rapper Sampa The Great on June 25, and Malian singer Oumou Sangaré on June 26, concluding with Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz on June 27.
The Nahda stage will host a series of performances featuring major figures from Arabic and Moroccan music, starting with Egyptian popular music stars Hassan Shakoush and Saad Soghayar on June 19. The following day, the public will enjoy the 'Prince' of Arab song, Majid Al Mohandis, and a musical tribute to Moroccan heritage by artist Nassim Haddad on June 21. The celebrations will continue with Asma Lmnawar on June 22 and Lebanese artist Wael Kfoury on June 23, culminating in a grand concert by Egyptian star Tamer Hosny on June 27.
Additionally, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Chellah embodies the very essence of the Mawazine Festival, celebrating the world's greatest musical traditions. This year's edition also enhances its popular dimension by incorporating the Grand Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah among the festival venues for the first time, where audiences will enjoy four major artistic experiences featuring Douzi and Cheb Khaled, as well as Morad and ElGrandeToto on June 26 and June 27, respectively. This innovative approach adds a new layer of accessibility and celebration to the festival, further solidifying Mawazine's reputation as a premier cultural and artistic event.
As reported by fr.allafrica.com.
