Morocco Takes Center Stage in Manhattan
For one unforgettable night, the heart of Manhattan resonated with the sounds reminiscent of the Sahara dunes and the vibrant energy of Casablanca's boulevards. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the prestigious SummerStage Festival in Central Park provided Morocco with an unprecedented platform, as it became the first African and Arab nation to be honored as a guest of the event. This remarkable performance is set to be a significant milestone in the history of transatlantic cultural exchanges.
Organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, in collaboration with the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME), and the Morocco Festivals collective, this initiative was brought to life with the support of the SummerStage teams. The event, titled "Morocco: From Dakhla to Casablanca," attracted thousands of attendees, featuring a cosmopolitan mix that included New York music enthusiasts, a strong presence of the Moroccan diaspora, prominent figures from the American music industry, and a high-ranking diplomatic audience led by Ambassador Omar Hilale, Morocco's permanent representative to the UN in New York, along with numerous other UN representatives.
A Musical Journey Through Morocco
The event stood out as a magnificent showcase of Morocco's rich diversity, deeply rooted in its ancient traditions while also embracing contemporary creativity. Over several hours, four iconic groups delivered performances that captivated the audience with their striking richness. The group Dakhla Casa Xpress kicked off the evening with a groundbreaking electro-hassania performance, surprising the crowd by inviting poet Mohammed Baaiya, who traveled from Laâyoune, to join them on stage. The Saharan verses brilliantly mingled with the electronic beats crafted by producer NDRK, supported by the keyboards of El Waar Baamar from Dakhla and the jazzy arrangements of guitarist Anas Chlih. This bold fusion of nomadic heritage and urban modernity was met with enthusiasm. Commenting on the significance of the event, Anas Chlih stated, "Our goal is to showcase Moroccan music in all its richness and diversity. Thankfully, in New York, it has been a success." Mohammed Baaiya also added, "An event of this scale is a new experience for us and helps us grow. Not only do we gain popularity, but we also enhance our ability to connect with different audiences."
Following this, DJ and producer Mr ID transformed the lush amphitheater of Central Park into a vast dance floor. Presenting tracks from his new album, _Aski_, he delivered an immersive show with a strong visual dimension. Monumental projections transported the audience on a sensory journey across Morocco’s geography, from the Figuig dunes to the Atlantic shores of Dakhla.
As a highlight of the festival, the revered master of gnaoua music, Hamid El Kasri, captivated both professionals and the public with a performance of rare mystical intensity. Amidst the New York skyscrapers, the maâlem resonated with the sounds of the guembri and the crotales, reminding everyone of the universal power of this UNESCO intangible heritage, capable of instantly enchanting an international audience. "Our strength lies in our heritage. I was delighted to see the audience engaging with and appreciating our music," shared Hamid El Kasri.
To conclude this musical journey, the pioneering group of "Hayha Music", Hoba Hoba Spirit, delivered an electrifying concert. True to their reputation as stage beasts, they created a communal atmosphere with the crowd, blending rock, afrobeat, and popular rhythms. In a celebratory ambiance, diplomats, American families, and youth from the diaspora joyfully sang along to the anthems of the Casablanca-based group. For Réda Allali, the band's singer and guitarist, this event serves as "a new testament to the fact that Moroccan music can resonate with all audiences." Beyond the enchanting performances, this Moroccan evening immediately generated significant professional repercussions. Recognizing the public's enthusiasm and the quality of the performances, the SummerStage Festival management officially announced the integration of Moroccan music into its exclusive "Country Music Focus" program. This initiative ensures ongoing, structured, and long-term support for the Moroccan artistic scene by the festival's programmers. It opens wide the doors to one of North America's most important platforms for world music, allowing both emerging and established talents from the Kingdom to shine.
By making a significant impact on the stage at Central Park, Morocco did not just deliver a memorable concert; it affirmed its status as a rising cultural power capable of engaging in dialogue with the world's greatest creative capitals.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
