A New Era of Rai Music in Oujda
In a vibrant display of musical talent, the Oriental Rai Festival has spotlighted a new generation of Moroccan singers through the finale of the "Rai Generation Talent" competition, held in Oujda on a recent Saturday evening. This initiative aims not only to discover but also to nurture emerging artists, showcasing a selection process that attracted participants from various regions across Morocco. The esteemed jury, led by renowned artist Rachid Berriah and comprising music professionals, awarded the top prize to Soukaina Ghalmi from Oujda. Following her, Yazid Abderrahmane from Fès claimed second place, while Othmane El Idrissi from Berrechid secured the third spot. Additionally, the Public Prize, determined by an online vote, was awarded to Mohamed Ali Ayla from Es-Semara.
Beyond the monetary rewards, the winners will receive essential support to facilitate their entry into the music industry. They will have the opportunity to perform alongside established Rai figures at the festival, record professional works, and benefit from promotional and artistic development assistance. The competition received over 100 applications, leading to an initial selection of 32 young artists, from which 16 participants underwent workshops focusing on Rai musical styles and performance techniques. Ultimately, eight finalists competed in the final stage.
For the organizers, this geographical diversity, extending from northern Morocco to the southern provinces, signifies the growing interest among youth in a musical genre that is deeply intertwined with the identity of the Oriental region. The festival aims to preserve this cultural heritage while also embracing new expressions and the demands of contemporary performance.
Ifrane: A Fusion of Artistic Creation and Ecological Awareness
From July 25 to 28, the city of Ifrane will host the eighth edition of its international festival, themed "Ifrane National Park: Exceptional Natural Heritage, Cross-cutting Challenges, and Sustainable Development Perspectives." This event aspires to highlight the natural, touristic, and cultural riches of the Middle Atlas while raising public awareness about the challenges of ecosystem protection. The Ifrane National Park will play a central role in a program that blends performances, scientific debates, sports activities, and educational animations.
A multitude of Moroccan artists are set to perform at venues such as Place de la Couronne and Place de la Poste. The lineup includes notable names like Asmaa Lamnawar, Hatim Idar, Muslim, Abdellah Daoudi, Ikram El Filali, Saida Titrit, Zina Atlas, and Abidat Rma, showcasing a rich tapestry of Moroccan songs, Amazigh music, popular heritage, rap, and contemporary rhythms.
The festival's closing night will feature the "Ahidous Symphony," which has become one of the event’s signature performances. This creation harmonizes traditional rhythms from the Middle Atlas with modern arrangements, aiming to pass down intangible heritage to new generations. Environmental reflection will also take center stage, with researchers, institutional leaders, experts, and civil society representatives participating in conferences and round tables addressing biodiversity, forest and water resources, climate change, and sustainable development.
Complementing the program, activities such as nature hikes, outdoor races, exhibitions, and children's workshops will be organized. The festival seeks to blend territorial discovery, physical activity, and ecological awareness, serving as a catalyst for tourism and economic animation in the province by stimulating accommodation, dining, commerce, and services.
Jacques Gautrat: A Dialogue Between Colors and Emotions in Rabat
The Bab Rouah Gallery in Rabat is currently showcasing an exhibition dedicated to French painter Jacques Gautrat, running until July 31. Organized by the Ribat Al Fath Association for Sustainable Development as part of the Cultural Florilege, the exhibition features eleven acrylic works on canvas that delve into contemporary abstraction. An interior architect and decorator by training, Gautrat draws his early influences from the works of Caravaggio and the Dutch masters before evolving into abstract art, which has become a favored space for exploring color, movement, and emotion.
His compositions are noted for their subtle balances, overlays, and vibrant chromatic bursts. In these works, the canvas does not merely replicate reality; instead, it transforms into an imaginary space, organized by gesture and dream. Positioned within the realm of lyrical abstraction, his pieces invite viewers to construct their own interpretations. Furthermore, the exhibition embodies a cultural dialogue between Morocco and France, illustrating how art can transcend borders and connect sensitivities, establishing creation as a universal language.
As reported by quid.ma.
