Mawazine Festival Launches with Cultural Diversity
The 21st edition of the Mawazine Festival, known as Rythmes du Monde, was officially inaugurated on June 19 in the cities of Rabat and Salé, where it will run until June 27. This vibrant music festival, organized by the Morocco Cultures Association under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, features a diverse lineup across seven stages, showcasing a wide array of musical genres that highlight the rich cultural tapestry of the region. The inaugural night attracted tens of thousands of festival-goers, setting the tone for an edition that celebrates cultural diversity and dialogue. An experienced security staff member at the OLM Souissi entrance remarked on the improved organization compared to the previous year, which had faced logistical challenges that were widely discussed in the media. Each stage presented distinct musical styles, including French rap, African music, and Arabic songs, reflecting the festival's unique juxtaposition of cultural expressions.
Star-Studded Performances and Cultural Exchange
At the OLM Souissi, the international stage launched with a performance by the popular French rapper Ninho, who captivated the audience with his hit songs such as "M.I.L.S 2.0" and "La vie qu'on mène," which were enthusiastically sung along by fans. Ninho's presence at the festival underscores its appeal to younger audiences, with attendees like 23-year-old Yasmine, a student in Rabat, expressing her excitement to see her favorite artist live. The festival's commitment to showcasing a variety of musical styles was evident throughout the other stages as well. The Togolese group The Ancestors kicked off the African programming at the Bouregreg stage, proudly representing their country's identity and musical heritage. Meanwhile, Egyptian artists Hassan Chakouch and Saad Soghayar delivered an engaging evening of popular songs at Nahda, with Chakouch expressing his love for Morocco and the festival.
In Salé, Moroccan talents Said Senhaji and Mehdi Weld Hajib entertained families, emphasizing the festival's role in celebrating local artists. Senhaji remarked that Mawazine provides an excellent opportunity for Moroccan singers to shine in their homeland, a sentiment echoed by attendees like Khadija, a mother eager for her children to appreciate Moroccan music. The event also featured Syrian singer Mayada El Hennawy at the historically paid Mohammed V National Theatre, where she performed classic Arabic songs, captivating the audience with her enchanting presence.
The festival continued to showcase an impressive range of performances, with the second night featuring the electronic collective Major Lazer at OLM Souissi, alongside American singer Macy Gray at the Mohammed V Theatre, Ghanaian artist Stonebwoy at Bouregreg, and Iraqi star Majid Al Mohandis at Nahda. Salé also hosted a night dedicated to Amazigh music, featuring Aicha Maya and the Rif Experience. Attendees expressed their enthusiasm for this year's festival, noting that the atmosphere felt more vibrant and energetic, especially with the addition of the stadium venue.
The Mawazine Festival remains one of the largest musical gatherings on the African continent, having drawn 3.75 million attendees in its 2025 edition over nine days, with the majority of concerts offered free of charge. The festival serves as a significant platform for cultural exchange, with around 600 journalists covering the event, both local and international. The upcoming 2026 edition promises exciting changes, as it will for the first time utilize the Grand Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, where artists like Douzi and Cheb Khaled will perform, followed by Morad and ElGrandeToto closing the festival.
Despite its acclaim, the festival faces scrutiny regarding its budget and the fees paid to international headliners, sparking ongoing debates about the sustainability of its model, especially as several stages have transitioned to ticketed entry this year. The festival's launch coincides with heightened public interest due to the World Cup and the matches of the Moroccan national team. Until June 27, attendees can expect an exciting mix of international stars, Arabic and African voices, and Moroccan artists, including Tyla, Nicky Jam, Wael Kfoury, and Tamer Hosny, ensuring a memorable cultural experience for all.
As reported by maroc-hebdo.com.
