Latest news with #Gnaoua
Morocco World
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Gnaoua Festival Kicks Off with a Parade Full of Color, Rhythm, and Soul
Essaouira – Today marked the spectacular kickoff of the 26th edition of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival, and Essaouira rose to the occasion with a heartbeat all its own. The medina transformed into an open-air stage as the Gnawi parade 'à la marocaine' spilled into the streets, drawing locals, tourists, and lovers of music into a living, breathing celebration of culture and spirit. The Gnaoua artists presence alone could command silence — if not for the hypnotic pulse of the krakebs and guembri that followed him. Dressed in a deep navy tunic embroidered with gold, El Kasri led with a quiet authority and timeless energy that stirred even the most jaded smartphone holders into real-time reverence. And then came the voice. Gliding into the rhythm with grace and power was Moroccan songstress Abir El Abed, adding a celestial layer to the deeply grounded Gnaoua beats. Draped in jewel-toned silks that fluttered with every step, she moved through the procession like poetry — equal parts fire and water. Her voice, soft and sharp in all the right ways, floated above the percussion like a blessing. They weren't alone. Troupes of maalems — each representing a different city, lineage, or school of Gnaoua — marched alongside, radiating individuality through their traditional attire. From flamboyant purples to desert ochres and seafoam greens, the color palette was as diverse as the rhythms. Some wore cowrie-covered hats, others clutched talismans passed down generations. One moment you were clapping to the beat; the next, you were caught in a trance. The crowd? An eclectic blend of generations and geographies. Elderly men in djellabas nodded with recognition at ancestral songs. Gen-Z fashionistas filmed TikToks with krakebs in hand. French, Spanish, and American tourists clapped to beats they didn't know but felt deep in their bones. It wasn't just a parade. It was a pulse. And Morocco World News was right there in the middle of it all, gathering all of the moments. Whether you're on your couch in Casablanca or tuning in from Tangier, consider us your front-row pass to everything this weekend has to offer. Expect exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes peeks, and style deep-dives. The maalems are the soul of this festival — so if you've ever wondered how it feels to carry a musical legacy through centuries, or how Gnaoua mixes with jazz and soul, you'll want to stay tuned for our conversations with them. . So comment away. Want spiritual insight? Want to know what everyone's wearing? Dying for a soundbite from backstage? You dream it, we'll chase it. The Gnaoua and World Music Festival is officially in full swing — and trust us, you don't want to miss a beat. Tags: Gnaoua Festival 2025
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
CasaNola 2025: Jazz, Joy, and Cultural Harmony under Casablanca's Stars
Casablanca – Casablanca, Morocco's economic capital, swayed to the rhythm and soul of New Orleans last weekend, thanks to CasaNola. The three-night event celebrated jazz and its culture and lit up Bouskoura's Automobile Club du Maroc with an astonishing fusion of Moroccan heritage and New Orleans groove, the birthplace of jazz. From June 12 -14, the festival brought together music legends from both sides of the Atlantic, offering a cultural bridge between the Mississippi and the Maghreb. As the final note faded and the crowd rose in applause, it was clear that jazz and Moroccan music are not separate genres, but shared language rooted in rhythm, spirit, and storytelling. This celebration left behind echoes of brass, trumpet, karakeb (metal castanets), and nay (bamboo flute). When asked about the connection and cohesion felt between Jazz and Moroccan music and culture, Kaleb Summers told Morocco World News (MWN) that this 'stems in the rhythm 100% that's all I can say, it's in the rhythm. When I was walking with the Gnaoua musicians, my first thought was, it felt like New Orleans sped up a little bit.' In its debut edition, the festival didn't just bring music, it brought people together, people from all cultures and backgrounds. Strangers became friends in minutes, dancing, laughing, and singing shoulder to shoulder under Casablanca stars. From artists to entrepreneurs to students and expats, the crowd was a melting pot of cultures united through music and soul. Even outsiders felt at home, greeted with warm smiles, dancing without thought as the energy was incredible and unforgettable from the artists, organizers, and most importantly, the crowd. Moroccan virtuoso Adil Charfi played a solo that danced over the brass and shuffles of James Andrews and the Crescent City All Stars, while Mahmoud Chouki poured Maghreb soul into smooth, groovy, jazzy rhythms. You could taste both cultures in those two hours, distinct yet perfectly blended, working in harmony to create what seemed to be a conversation between the Maghreb and New Orleans. Artists from both sides of the Atlantic jammed together like lifelong friends, dancing, laughing, and improvising with childlike joy. No egos, no show-stealing, just musicians lifting each other up, passing the spotlight like a gift. It was a masterclass in cultural exchange, a moving symphony of shared energy, and a celebration of connection through sound. In an interesting take, Si Adil Absi, President of FolkArt Group, told MWN: ' Our goal through this performance was to showcase Moroccan heritage and contribute to the growth of our folklore. We wanted to show that our music can thrive in different settings and merge seamlessly with other musical genres.' He added, 'We've noticed that Gnaoua often takes the spotlight when it comes to fusion with international music, so we thought, why not take this opportunity to fuse Dakka Marrakchia with jazz?' Away from the music, the venue itself was one straight out of a James Bond movie. Vintage cars lined up all over the scenery, and everything from food to drinks seamlessly paid for with a quick and sleek, and cashless festival bracelet. Immaculately clean and gorgeously lit, the space mirrored the beauty of jazz and professionalism of the event.
Morocco World
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Essaouira Gears Up to Host 350 Artists for a Celebration of Music, Heritage
Rabat – The Moroccan coastal city of Essaouira will come alive with the rhythms of the 26th Gnaoua and World Music Festival between June 19 and 21. The event will feature 350 artists, including 40 Maalems (masters), across 54 concerts held day and night in open-air spaces, heritage sites, and intimate settings. Organizers describe the festival as 'more than just a celebration … it's a vision.' For three days, Essaouira is set to become the heartbeat of global music, where Moroccan Gnaoua tradition meets international sounds in a spirit of freedom, spirituality, and connection. The festival will begin with a colorful and energetic street parade, bringing together all the Maalems of Gnaoua. The opening concert will take place at the iconic Moulay Hassan stage, featuring Maalem Hamid El Kasri and Senegal's Bakalama Company. Together with singers Abir El Abed and Kya Loum, they are set to create a powerful blend of Moroccan spirituality, West African rhythms, and modern sounds. Throughout the festival, audiences can expect rare musical fusions, with Maalem Houssam Gania performing with New York drummer Marcus Gilmore, Morad El Marjan in a spiritual dialogue with jazz legend Dhafer Youssef, and Asmaa Hamzaoui and Bnat Timbouktou joining forces with Rokia Koné, a powerful voice from Mali. One of the standout performances will be a new creation by Maalem Mohamed Boumezzough, with musicians from Morocco, Mali, and France. The festival will also welcome major African and Afro-diasporic stars, including Cimafunk, a rising Afro-Cuban artist, Tiken Jah Fakoly, the legendary reggae voice, and CKay, a Nigerian pop phenomenon. Younger Gnaoua talents will also shine on the beach stage as they will perform alongside master musicians. This year's Human Rights Forum, as part of the festival, will focus on human mobility and cultural exchange. Writers, historians, filmmakers, and thinkers, including Andrea Rea, Elia Suleiman, Véronique Tadjo, and many others, will reflect on migration, storytelling, and identity. The festival also continues its educational mission with the second edition of Berklee at Gnaoua and World Music Festival, in partnership with the Berklee College of Music. Young musicians from 23 countries will receive training from international artists. Also new this year is the Chair of Cultural Crossings and Globalization, created with the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). It will host two public roundtables exploring Gnaoua rituals and modern musical fusion. In addition, festival-goers can enjoy public workshops, street concerts, an art exhibition titled 'Between Play and Memory' at Borj Bab Marrakech, and open discussions at The Tree of Palaver, inspired by African traditions. With all these activities, the festival offers 'three days to feel, think, and be amazed,' say organizers. 'Three days to reconnect with what truly matters. In Essaouira, music brings together what the world keeps apart.'
Morocco World
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
From New Orleans to Casablanca: There's No Borders to Jazz at CasaNola
Casablanca – Casablanca will emulate the music-filled streets of New Orleans this weekend for CasaNola, a dreamy and soulful jazz festival which opens its doors tonight, June 12, at 7 p.m. local time. Co-organized by Avempace and the New Orleans Jazz Museum, the event is running through June 14 at the Automobile Club du Maroc in Bouskoura, bringing together Jazz musicians from Morocco and New Orleans for three unforgettable nights. CasaNola, a cultural bridge powered by the Jazz International initiative of the New Orleans Jazz Museum, brings music legends to move your soul. Designed to promote the spirit of New Orleans across the world, the program honors the city's rich musical heritage through a moving celebration in Casablanca. CasaNola's lineup The festival opens with a back-and-forth groovy conversation on the world of jazz between James Andrews & Crescent City All Stars and flutist Adil Chrafi tonight. Micheal Withe & New Orleans All Stars will then lead audiences on a musical journey across time, driving us through rhythmic universes with Moroccan Oud master Alaa Zouiten on Friday, June 13. CasaNola is set to conclude on Saturday, June 14 with one last blissful night led by Mahmoud Chouki & New Orleans Fusion, merging New Orleans rhythms with North African melodies. How do we get tickets? CasaNola tickets now available on You can choose a single-day pass for 400 MAD ($44) or immerse yourself in the full jazz experience with your three-day festival pass for 950 MAD ($104). This is a rare musical exchange you would not want to miss. The soulful interplay between African melodies and jazz New to the origin story of this eclectic and world renowned genre? Jazz, the musical child of blues and parent of countless genres, originated in African-American communities in New Orleans, in the late 19th century and early 20th century. The American military introduced jazz to Morocco during World War II, and its soulful melodies started flowing in and out of military bases and venues across Casablanca. In 1969, Jacques Muyal produced and released the album 'The 4 American Jazzmen in Tangier,' based on recordings in Morocco in 1959. The Moroccan-born die-hard jazz fanatic hosted an influential radio show as a teenager in Tangier , giving worldwide exposure to jazz musicians at the time. The complexity of jazz and its ability to break through musical norms while adhering to strict mathematical rules was like a match made in heaven with Moroccan and greater African music. The unusual time signatures and singular notes that intentionally touch specific nerves seemed to go hand in hand with Gnaoua and other African genres. Jazz further made its way into the Gnaoua scene in 2018, with a debut performance between renowned Maalem Hamid El Kasri and Jacob Collier & Friends at the BBC Proms. Both pioneers in their respective genres, the show was a striking example of how these worlds could work in harmony and create absolute beauty. Jazz artists now regularly frequent the lineups of Essaouria's Gnaoua and World Festival, which takes place every year in the Moroccan coastal town. Tags: Casablanca festivalCasablanca jazzCasaNolagnawa musicjazz music
Ya Biladi
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's 2025 festival season : Dates, headliners, and highlights
The festival season is kicking off in Morocco this mid-May and will run through the summer. With a diverse lineup of music genres ranging from pop and jazz to rap and traditional Gnaoua, the 2025 festival season offers something for every music lover. Whether you're a casual festival-goer, a music enthusiast, or a tourist planning your summer holiday around music festivals, this article is for you. Yabiladi will be listing some of the major festivals taking place this season, their locations, and their headliners. A Strong Start This festival season kicks off with several events in mid-May. The first major event is the Timeless Festival in Casablanca, blending nostalgia, especially for millennials and early 2000s teens, with today's music scene. The Timeless Festival takes place on May 16 and 17, 2025, at Anfa Park. It promises «iconic sounds from the 1980s to today in an electrifying atmosphere», according to the organizers. The first day, starting at 6 p.m., will feature French-Moroccan rapper La Fouine followed by early 2000s R&B star Craig David. The second day will showcase global dancehall icon Sean Paul and Moroccan-Canadian artist Beny Adam, known for his blend of R&B, pop, and urban sounds. The festival will also feature DJ sets, interactive zones, and a food court to keep the vibes alive. Tickets start at 600 MAD for one-day passes. Not far from Casablanca, the Timelapse Festival 's third edition will be held on May 23-24 in Bouznika. This electro music festival boasts a stellar lineup, with Italian DJ Moblack, a pioneer of Afro-house, on the first day. The second day will feature Casablanca duo DJs Nomads, known for «blending deep, soulful beats with the pulse of Morocco». The festival will also showcase local talent with DJs Didiss and Bouta in a back-to-back session and a B3B trio featuring DJs Caiiro Da Capo and Enoo Napa. Tickets for Timelapse Fest start at 600 MAD for a one-day pass, and accommodations are available at The View Bouznika Hotel. A Spiritual Experience in Fès If you're looking for a spiritual musical experience, we recommend the 28th edition of the Sacred Music of the World Festival in Fès, from May 16 to 24. This year's theme, «Renaissances», celebrates cultural, spiritual, and artistic renewal. The festival will host over 200 artists from 15 countries, including Turkey, France, Spain, Switzerland, the Sultanate of Oman, and several African nations such as Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo. The program includes performances like Azerbaijani Mugham and Kazakh Songs of the Steppes (May 21), Armenian music by The Naghash Ensemble (May 23), Senegalese Sufism with Mouride Khassaide chants (May 19), and Moroccan master Jojoukas (May 18). Other highlights include Tariqa Tijjanya (May 20) and Aissaoua (May 21). While most concerts are free, some are paid, with prices ranging from 150 MAD to 500 MAD. As May wraps up, Rabat will host the second edition of the Summer Sound Festival from May 29 to 31. Held at Club Wifaq in the leafy Ambassadors district, the festival promises a diverse musical lineup, including headliners: Eliades Ochoa (May 29), a legendary Cuban musician and member of the Buena Vista Social Club; Franglish (May 30), a rising star blending Afropop and R&B and Ninho (May 31), one of the most influential names in contemporary French rap. Ticket prices range from 400 MAD for a one-day pass to 1300 MAD for a three-day pass. Rap fans will also have their own festival in Morocco this season: the 212'FlowFest, taking place on May 15-17 at Salle Renaissance in Rabat. The lineup will feature top Moroccan rap stars such as L'Morphine, Mister You, Snor, Shobee, and Dada, alongside rising local talents. Tickets for this festival start at 400 MAD for a one-day pass and can go up to 5000 MAD for a VIP all-access three-day pass. Nostalgia in Casablanca For fans of retro music, the Nostalgia Lovers Festival returns for its second edition in Casablanca from July 3 to 5. The event will take place at the city's converted Velodrome, bringing back the energy of the 80s and 90s with legendary artists and DJs. The first day will feature electrifying performances by 1990s British dance-pop band Londonbeat and electronic music star Rozalla. The second day will keep the party going with Lou Bega, known for his 1999 hit «Mambo No. 5». The third day promises an explosive finale with Brazilian diva Salomé de Bahia and American group C+C Music Factory. Tickets range from 590 MAD for a one-day pass to 1590 MAD for a three-day pass. Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira June brings another major festival: The 26th edition of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival, taking place from June 19 to 21 in Essaouira. This year's edition will feature 33 Gnaoua Maâlems alongside international artists. Maâlem Khalid Sansi from Casablanca will perform with Cuban funk artist Cimafunk, while Maâlem Morad ElMarjan will collaborate with Tunisian oud master Dhafer Youssef. Other highlights include Asmaa Hamzaoui & Bnat Timbouktou with Malian singer Rokia Koné, and Nigerian singer Ckay, embracing Afrobeat. Tickets for VIP access are available for 1200 MAD for a three-day pass. Mawazine Returns to Rabat From June 20 to 28, Rabat will host the 20th edition of the Mawazine Festival. Spanning six stages, five in Rabat and one in Sale, the festival promises a diverse lineup, including American rapper 50 Cent (June 21), reggae icon Julian Marley (June 28), Egyptian pop star Ruby (June 20), and K-pop group aespa (June 24). Other headliners include Will Smith (June 25), Kid Cudi (June 23), and Moroccan rap star El Grande Toto. The concerts are for free with paid VIP access available. Back to Casablanca, Jazzablanca 2025 is set to light up the city from July 3 to 12. This year's lineup includes big names like the Black-Eyed Peas, the soulful Seal, the legendary Kool & the Gang, and Grammy-nominated Lebanese trumpet virtuoso Ibrahim Maalouf. But that's not all – Moroccan stars like Oum, Hamid El Kasri, and Mehdi Nassouli will also take the stage, showcasing the rich local talent. The festival will be held at the Anfa Park with tickets ranging from 600 MAD per day to a 3000 MAD full pass.
