Festival Highlights in Essaouira
The enchanting coastal city of Essaouira is gearing up for an exhilarating celebration as it hosts the 27th edition of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival from June 25 to 27. Over the course of three days, the festival will showcase 460 talented artists, including the legendary Afro-Brazilian percussionist Carlinhos Brown, whose performance is highly anticipated. Additionally, the renowned Cameroonian bassist Richard Bona will share the stage with the celebrated diva Asmaa Lmnawar for a captivating duet. The festival will also feature the soulful sounds of American gospel through the artistry of Anthony Morgan, and the eclectic musical styles of Yasmine Hamdan, 47Soul, and Ganavya, who will bring their unique blends of Levantine electronic pop, hybrid "Shamstep," and South Asian spiritual singing.
On the Moroccan front, the group Oudaden will honor the Amazigh heritage of Souss, continuing their musical journey since 1978. Hoba Hoba Spirit, a rock band that has been captivating audiences for over twenty-five years, will also perform, while Bnat Louz & Raskas will innovate by merging polyphonic chants with electronic textures in their performance titled _AZMZ_. This festival promises to be a vibrant fusion of cultures and sounds, celebrating the rich diversity of musical heritage.
Cinema Under the Stars in Casablanca
From June 25 to 28, the Institut Français in Casablanca will transform Anfa Park into an outdoor cinema for the "Cinema Under the Stars" event, focusing on animated films. The lineup includes _En fanfare_, a dramatic comedy by Emmanuel Courcol that tells the story of two brothers united by music, despite their differences. Also featured is _The Castle of the Monkeys_, a classic animated film by Jean-François Laguionie, alongside _Zodi and Téhu, Brothers of the Desert_, an adventure by Eric Barbier set in the Sahara, and _Robot Dreams_ by Pablo Berger, a tender and melancholic fable about friendship adapted from Sara Varon's graphic novel. This initiative aims to bring the community together through the magic of cinema in a beautiful outdoor setting.
As reported by telquel.ma.
