The Marrakech Comedy Festival concluded its inaugural edition with a remarkable turnout and a lineup that featured prominent figures from the Moroccan and Francophone comedy scene. Held from June 4 to June 6 at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, the event attracted nearly 5,500 spectators, according to the organizers.
This first edition offered several engagements dedicated to both Francophone and Arabophone humor, including two major galas and a series of individual performances. Organizers believe that this initial experience has laid the groundwork for an event that aims to become a staple in the cultural and artistic calendar of the city.
Strong Audience Attendance
Karim Debbouze, co-founder of the festival, praised the warm reception from the audience during this inaugural edition. He stated, "This first edition is a great collective pride. Seeing the public show up, the artists elevate Moroccan and Francophone humor, and an entire team working in the same direction is a beautiful success." His sentiments were echoed by Malik Bentalha, who served as the master of ceremonies, highlighting the ambition of the project and the vibrant atmosphere created during the three-day programming. According to him, the festival was born from the desire to provide a dedicated space for humor and the discovery of new talents.
The Francophone Gala, presented by Malik Bentalha, and the Arabophone Gala, led by Eko, both sold out. Solo performances from artists such as Nordine Ganso and Yassar also resonated well with the audience.
Notable comedians participating in the Francophone gala included Amine Radi, Tom Baldetti, Nordine Ganso, Charlie Haid, Meriem Benoua, Léopold Lemarchand, Youness Hanifi, Salif, Louis Cattelat, Hugo Le Van, Sossam, Eric Mendes, Jason Brokerss, Sarah Lélé, Jonathan O’Donnell, Matthias Van Khache, and Wissksrr.
The Arabophone Gala brought together, under the artistic direction of Eko, Ahmed Boudrouz, Marouane Nbalsi, Saif Eddine Settif, Soufiane Figuigui, Amine Belghazi, Azzedine Fetouhi, Ghita Kitane, DJ REDSupa, the group Bola Bola Dakka Marrakchia, and singer Mounim Slimani. Organizers aimed to showcase the diversity of the current comedic scene and enhance visibility for the new generation of artists.
A Prize to Encourage New Talent
One of the standout moments of this first edition was the awarding of the FNAC Jury Prize to comedian Hugo Le Van. This distinction, presented by Fnac Spectacles, recognizes an artist whose performance caught the attention of the jury and festival professionals. Organizers view this initiative as a means to foster the emergence of new talents and reinforce the festival's role as a platform for discovery and support for artists in the comedic scene.
The event also featured a significant broadcasting initiative. The Francophone Gala was recorded and will be aired on October 9 on the Disney+ platform, marking a first for a Francophone comedy show on this streaming service. Additionally, organizers announced that the galas will later be broadcast on channels 2M and TV5 Monde, allowing a wider audience to experience the highlights of this inaugural edition.
Building on this initial success, the Marrakech Comedy Festival has already announced its intention to return in 2027 for a second edition. Organizers aim to continue developing the event and solidifying Marrakech's position as a hub for humor and live entertainment.
As reported by lnt.ma.
