Unforgettable Evening of Music at the R.U.C. Stadium
On Saturday, the R.U.C. Stadium in Casablanca was transformed into a vibrant hub of rock and metal music, marking the penultimate day of the 24th edition of L'Boulevard festival. Headlining the event was the legendary Brazilian thrash metal band Sepultura, who delivered their final concert on African soil as part of their farewell tour. The festival also celebrated Moroccan talent through the Tremplin competition, showcasing emerging local artists alongside international acts.
Emerging Talent and Celebrated Legends Unite
Continuing with its theme of "counting differently," this year's festival emphasized the importance of live performances in an age dominated by online views and streams. The event attracted a large audience, featuring a diverse lineup that blended young Moroccan bands with internationally renowned headliners. The afternoon kicked off with the Tremplin competition in the rock/metal category, showcasing four promising bands: Anora, Darih, 2min Away, and Lixivia. Since its inception in 1999, this competition has provided a platform for emerging Moroccan talent, allowing over 765 groups and artists to shine.
After the performances, Lixivia took home the first prize, while Darih secured the second. The evening's program featured a mix of genres, including the French-Moroccan band Mycose of You, led by Samadoss, who expressed their excitement about performing at L'Boulevard for the first time, having previously toured extensively in France and Morocco. "Playing in front of Sepultura feels like a wedding day for us," he remarked, hinting at a surprise-filled performance.
Another notable act was the Casablanca-based death metal band Suicide Machine, which has a rich history with the festival, having participated in 2015 and won the top prize then. Guitarist Ashraf El Mellouki shared his enthusiasm, stating, "This is my sixth time at L'Boulevard and the third for Suicide Machine. We expect the audience to support us and all the bands from Tremplin." The night reached its peak with Sepultura's performance, preceded by the French black metal band Sotherion, marking their debut in Morocco.
With a career spanning over four decades and known for their pioneering thrash sound, Sepultura's return to the festival was highly anticipated. Guitarist Andreas Kisser expressed their joy at being back in Morocco after sixteen years, especially during this farewell tour. "This is our very last concert in Africa," he announced. Beyond the music, the band conveyed a powerful message to the youth, encouraging them to create art and embrace their individuality. "Music brings people together. Take care of your family and friends, and listen to heavy metal; it's the best advice we can give," they concluded.
As reported by snrtnews.com.
