Rabat's Cultural Extravaganza: The 14th 'Été des Oudayas' Festival Kicks Off
The 14th edition of the International Arts and Culture Festival, known as 'Été des Oudayas,' officially commenced on Sunday evening along the scenic Bouregreg corniche in Rabat. This vibrant event, held under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, featured a captivating opening concert led by renowned artist Fouad Zbadi, who performed a selection of masterpieces from Arab and Moroccan classical music. In recognition of his significant contributions to Moroccan and Arab art, Zbadi was honored with the festival's shield.
The evening also paid tribute to Mahmoud Megri, a celebrated figure in Moroccan art, noted for his innovative fusion of Moroccan songs with rock music. Megri's creativity has played a pivotal role in enriching the national music scene, elevating Moroccan music to international acclaim. The festival's opening night showcased a diverse lineup of artists, including Bulgarian performer Diana Dvova, who enchanted the audience with traditional Bulgarian songs, and Moroccan singer-songwriter Ayoub Tijani, who presented a collection of authentic Moroccan tracks. Additionally, the artist Fatima Zahra Laaroussi engaged the crowd with a variety of her songs, all accompanied by the 'Multicultural Orchestra of Morocco,' under the direction of maestro Hamza Amazgar.
Wafae Bennani, the president of the National Music Council and the festival's general director, expressed that this year's festival stands out due to its diverse artistic programming that caters to all tastes while introducing fresh elements in each edition. The opening ceremony included not only a tribute to Mahmoud Megri but also the distribution of awards and recognitions to various artists throughout the festival's duration. This initiative reflects the festival's commitment to embracing different musical genres and artistic generations.
Bennani further emphasized the festival's goal to invigorate the cultural landscape of Rabat, encouraging both established and emerging Moroccan creators while fostering connections between artistic generations. She hopes that this year's program will resonate with audiences just as previous editions have. In response to the tribute he received, Mahmoud Megri remarked that it represents a collective recognition of the entire Megri Brothers group and the invaluable support of their audience, which has been crucial in sustaining their artistic journey. He noted, "The love of the public has always motivated us to present new works and enhance our artistic experience," highlighting that his participation in this edition signifies the ongoing artistic message across generations of his family.
Organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication in collaboration with the National Music Committee—an official partner of UNESCO—the festival will run until August 12, offering a rich program of diverse artistic evenings featuring numerous acclaimed Moroccan artists.
As reported by snrtnews.com.
