Exceptional Performances by Sami Yusuf at the 29th Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
The 29th edition of the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music is set to welcome the renowned artist and composer Sami Yusuf, who will return to the festival's stage for two exceptional performances at Bab al-Makina on June 6 and 7, 2026. Sami Yusuf is one of the most prominent artists associated with this festival, having previously established a unique artistic and spiritual connection with the festival's audience. His works beautifully blend spiritual depth with cultural diversity, resonating perfectly with the festival's core mission of fostering dialogue between civilizations and cultures.
During this year's festival, Sami Yusuf will make his first appearance on Saturday evening, June 6, 2026, at 9 PM at Bab al-Makina. He will also participate in the festival's closing event on Sunday, June 7, as part of a special performance entitled “The Night of Sama: From Fes to Konya.” This showcase will highlight prominent expressions of Sufi music from both the East and the West, featuring an extraordinary fusion of sounds and traditions.
The closing evening will have a distinctive character, as Sami Yusuf will share the stage with the Konya Urban Sufi Music Ensemble, which preserves the rich Mawlawi tradition and the spinning dervish ceremonies recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, along with a selection of renowned Moroccan Sufi singers. Audiences will have a rare opportunity to indulge in a unique musical and spiritual experience, where Sufi chants are intertwined with high-level artistic performances, creating a journey through the various schools of spiritual heritage from Anatolia to Morocco.
In a statement regarding this occasion, Sami Yusuf expressed that his return to Fes marks a significant milestone in his artistic journey, emphasizing that the city holds a special place in his heart for its profound spiritual and cultural significance. He noted that his participation in this edition would provide a platform to present two musical performances featuring artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Moroccan artist Nabila Ma'an, Ismail Boujya and his group, along with the renowned erhu player Gu Gan, celebrating the shared values that unite spiritual music worldwide.
Sami Yusuf is known for his unique musical style that merges Eastern and Western musical traditions, having received academic training in classical music, which further enriches his artistic expressions. His performances at the Fes Festival are anticipated to be a testament to the power of music in bridging cultural divides and fostering a deeper understanding of our shared humanity.
As reported by media15.ma.
