Sami Yusuf Captivates Audiences at Historic Fes Festival
On June 7, 2026, the renowned artist Sami Yusuf took center stage during a spectacular performance at the historic Bab Makina square, part of the 29th edition of the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music. The event drew an impressive crowd, showcasing a fusion of heritage, authenticity, and openness to global cultures, making it one of the festival's most well-attended nights this year.
From the early hours of the evening, hundreds of fans of the British-Azerbaijani singer and composer gathered at Bab Makina, eagerly anticipating a live encounter with one of the most prominent voices in Islamic music. As the concert commenced, Yusuf enchanted the audience with his compositions inspired by rich human heritage, creating a scene that surpassed all expectations and filled the atmosphere with contemplation and harmony.
The performance lasted approximately an hour and a half, during which the audience reveled in a medley of pieces and songs that blended various languages and cultures, ranging from Arabic to Hindi and Spanish. Yusuf revisited some of his most famous works, including "Ilahna Ma A'dalak" and "Maddad," along with selections from authentic Moroccan heritage, prominently featuring the famous Andalusian muwashshah "Lama Bada Yatathanna" and the Sufi Moroccan poem "Ana Mani Fiash."
Accompanying Sami Yusuf on this artistic night were several musicians and vocalists, including Moroccan artist Nabila Ma'an and singer Ismail Boujia, who enriched the performance, adding a diverse artistic dimension to the various segments of the show.
In separate interviews with Le360, many attendees from various cities in Morocco and beyond shared their profound admiration for the evening, describing it as a unique musical and spiritual experience that felt like a "spiritual journey" combining contemplation with artistic enjoyment. One attendee expressed, "I hope Fes continues to uphold its spiritual radiance; our city honored us today." Nadia, a fan from London of Pakistani descent, described the atmosphere as "magical," reflecting the awe inspired by the performance. Another spectator noted that the concert was elegant, featuring impeccable organization and a comfortable ambiance, adding that the muwashshahat and spiritual works "touched hearts and created indescribable joy."
One audience member remarked that the event reflected a unique cultural confluence among peoples, praising the city of Fes as a "home" for the meeting of civilizations and cultures. They expressed hope for the continued success of such artistic events in the future under better organizational conditions.
The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music continues, with audiences eagerly anticipating another artistic night on Sunday, featuring a closing show by Sami Yusuf titled "Night of Listening... From Fes to Konya." This artistic and spiritual work will blend Moroccan Sufi traditions with Mevlevi customs, promising a transcultural experience that is expected to conclude this edition with a uniquely spiritual rhythm.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
