Celebrating Moroccan Musical Talent
L’Boulevard has unveiled the six standout winners of its prestigious 2026 Tremplin competition, following an exhilarating three-day showcase of musical talent at the R.U.C. stadium in Casablanca. This annual event, which took place from September 17 to 19, highlighted the creativity and artistry of 15 diverse acts from various Moroccan cities. Each performer presented their original compositions before a panel of independent juries composed of industry professionals and seasoned artists.
The competition was particularly vibrant this year, featuring a wide array of genres. It showcased seven Rap/Hip-Hop entries, four acts from the Fusion/Contemporary Music category, and four Rock/Metal groups, each vying for the top honors. In the Rap/Hip-Hop segment, Berkane’s Shinohidden emerged victorious, captivating the audience with a multilingual style that beautifully melds trap, raï, blues, rock, and Gnawa influences. Close behind was BrownY Original from Casablanca, who secured second place with his distinctive dark production and compelling street narratives.
Turning to the Fusion category, the six-member band Metrotune, hailing from Casablanca and Settat, clinched the first prize. Their innovative fusion of salsa, rock, Gnawa, chaâbi, and metal earned them accolades, while Arinass from Fez, who creatively combined elements of Gnawa, aïta, and chaâbi with reggae and rock, took the second spot.
In the Rock/Metal division, Salé’s Lixivia triumphed with their energetic crossover thrash that fuses classic metal with hardcore punk. Darih, another talented band from Casablanca, followed closely to secure second place, presenting music inspired by Black/Death Metal and drawing from narratives of historical conflict, North African folklore, and local legends.
For the first time in the event's history, winners were announced at the conclusion of each competition night, culminating in a celebratory awards ceremony on September 20 where all six victorious acts took to the stage once more. Each first-prize winner received a monetary award of 15,000 dirhams, while second-place winners were granted 10,000 dirhams. Additionally, from September 21 to 26, these six promising acts will participate in an intensive training program at Boultek, focusing on essential skills such as stage and vocal performance, recording techniques, copyright knowledge, digital communication, and career development. As part of the program, each act will also have the opportunity to record a track at Studio Hiba.
L’Boulevard’s Tremplin, established in 1999, has long served as a vital platform for emerging Moroccan artists, providing them with invaluable exposure and feedback from industry insiders. Over its 24 editions, the competition has witnessed the participation of more than 765 Moroccan artists and groups, solidifying its role as a cornerstone in the development of the country’s vibrant music scene.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
