Latest news with #GnaouaandWorldMusicFestival
Ya Biladi
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
300,000 people grooved to the beat of the Gnaoua Festival
From June 19 to 21, music lit up Essaouira. The guembris spoke to Senegalese drums, Gnaoua voices merged with jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms, and for three days, the Gnaoua and World Music Festival drew over 300,000 people into a celebration rich in memory, emotion, and human connection. In the alleyways, along the beach, and in front of the stages, the crowd was as diverse as the music itself: local families, curious travelers, and young people from near and far. The mix was everywhere, on stage and in the audience. A total of 350 artists from more than a dozen countries (Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Nigeria, Mali, Syria, Iraq, France, the United States, Turkey, Ivory Coast, and Cuba) spoke a common language: music. At the center of it all was Morocco, alive through its Maâlems, its rhythms, and its evolving traditions. From the opening act, Hamid El Kasri and the Bakalama Company set the tone: fusion, encounter, and generosity. Until the final notes, artists from around the world made the city pulse—Cimafunk, CKay, Dhafer Youssef, Fehd Benchemsi, Khalid Sansi… each one left their mark. But the festival is also a space for thought and dialogue. The Human Rights Forum, organized with the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad, brought together writers, scholars, and artists around the theme of «Migrations and Cultural Dynamics». Palestinian filmmaker Elia Suleiman moved the audience with his reminder of «the necessity to move, despite the walls». Other powerful voices resonated: poet Véronique Tadjo, historian Pascal Blanchard, filmmaker Faouzi Bensaïdi, and writer-essayist Elgas. Rare and intimate moments also allowed Maâlems to engage in dialogue with scholars through the UM6P Chair. These were unfiltered, deeply human exchanges where trance and knowledge listened to each other. The next rendezvous is set for June 25 to 27, 2026. Between the ramparts and the ocean, music will once again transcend borders.
Morocco World
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Essaouira Comes Alive on Day 3 of Gnaoua Festival
Marrakech – The third day of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira brought a wave of unfiltered energy to the city's medina, beaches, and stages. From traditional trance to experimental fusion, the lineup delivered an immersive experience that had the audience dancing late into the night. Saturday's program featured an impressive selection of artists: Maâlem Mohamed Boumezzough, Aly Keïta, Anas Chlih, Tao Ehrlich, Martin Guerpin, Quentin Ghomari, Hajar Alaoui, Cimafunk, Khalid Sansi, Hind Ennaira, and Omar Hayat. Each brought their own flair to the stage, mixing Gnawa rhythms with funk, jazz, and global soul. The atmosphere was electric as artists from different continents came together in celebration of music, rhythm, and resistance. Among the many acts that stood out were The Leila and the Nishtiman Project, two artists who captivated both hearts and headlines this year. The Leila is a bold Moroccan performer known for fusing reggada and rock with poetry, feminism, and social commentary. Her performance was as raw as it was refined, evoking both nostalgia and rebellion. Tattoos inspired by Amazigh symbols, unapologetic lyrics, and a commanding presence made her one of the most talked-about performers of the day. The Nishtiman Project, a Kurdish musical collective, transported the crowd through time and across borders. Founded by Saïd Assadi, the group blends traditional Kurdish instruments like the daf, duduk, and tanbur with innovative arrangements that speak to themes of homeland, displacement, and unity. Their music isn't just performance — it's a political and emotional journey. Tags: Gnaoua Festival 2025
Morocco World
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Gnaoua Festival Kicks Off with a Parade Full of Color, Rhythm, and Soul
Essaouira – Today marked the spectacular kickoff of the 26th edition of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival, and Essaouira rose to the occasion with a heartbeat all its own. The medina transformed into an open-air stage as the Gnawi parade 'à la marocaine' spilled into the streets, drawing locals, tourists, and lovers of music into a living, breathing celebration of culture and spirit. The Gnaoua artists presence alone could command silence — if not for the hypnotic pulse of the krakebs and guembri that followed him. Dressed in a deep navy tunic embroidered with gold, El Kasri led with a quiet authority and timeless energy that stirred even the most jaded smartphone holders into real-time reverence. And then came the voice. Gliding into the rhythm with grace and power was Moroccan songstress Abir El Abed, adding a celestial layer to the deeply grounded Gnaoua beats. Draped in jewel-toned silks that fluttered with every step, she moved through the procession like poetry — equal parts fire and water. Her voice, soft and sharp in all the right ways, floated above the percussion like a blessing. They weren't alone. Troupes of maalems — each representing a different city, lineage, or school of Gnaoua — marched alongside, radiating individuality through their traditional attire. From flamboyant purples to desert ochres and seafoam greens, the color palette was as diverse as the rhythms. Some wore cowrie-covered hats, others clutched talismans passed down generations. One moment you were clapping to the beat; the next, you were caught in a trance. The crowd? An eclectic blend of generations and geographies. Elderly men in djellabas nodded with recognition at ancestral songs. Gen-Z fashionistas filmed TikToks with krakebs in hand. French, Spanish, and American tourists clapped to beats they didn't know but felt deep in their bones. It wasn't just a parade. It was a pulse. And Morocco World News was right there in the middle of it all, gathering all of the moments. Whether you're on your couch in Casablanca or tuning in from Tangier, consider us your front-row pass to everything this weekend has to offer. Expect exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes peeks, and style deep-dives. The maalems are the soul of this festival — so if you've ever wondered how it feels to carry a musical legacy through centuries, or how Gnaoua mixes with jazz and soul, you'll want to stay tuned for our conversations with them. . So comment away. Want spiritual insight? Want to know what everyone's wearing? Dying for a soundbite from backstage? You dream it, we'll chase it. The Gnaoua and World Music Festival is officially in full swing — and trust us, you don't want to miss a beat. Tags: Gnaoua Festival 2025
Maroc
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Maroc
26th Gnaoua & World Music Festival Unveils First Highlights
The 26th edition of the Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival, to be held from June 19 to 21, 2025, is shaping up to be an exceptional event, and has unveiled today some of its first major highlights. For over a quarter of a century, the Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira has been much more than a musical event: it's a living cultural project, a driving force for transmission, dialogue, and innovation, the organizers said in a press release. This globally unique Festival celebrates the richness of Gnaoua heritage by bringing it into dialogue with music from all over the world, transforming Essaouira into an international crossroads where tradition meets modernity in the spirit of fraternity and creation. The festival reaffirms its key role in shaping the Moroccan and African cultural landscape, by launching major transmission initiatives, such as its partnership with the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and with the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) to establish a university Chair of Cross Cultural and Globalization, based upon the Gnaoua experience as a strategic laboratory of cultural hybridizations. The tradition of fusion: unforgettable musical events Over the years, Essaouira has been the scene of memorable encounters between the masters of Gnaoua and jazz and world music giants such as Pat Metheny, Joe Zawinul, Marcus Miller as well as Oumou Sangaré, Salif Keita and Youssou N'Dour. The Festival continues to build bridges between cultures and musical sensibilities, offering audiences rare moments of grace and communion. This year, the Festival will once again invite spectators to experience unprecedented and spellbinding fusions. Opening concert : Maâlem Hamid El Kasri, Bakalama dance company, Abir El Abed, and Kya Loum (Morocco, Senegal) Maâlem Hamid El Kasri—emblematic master of the Gnaoua repertoire—will join forces with the rhythmic power of the Senegalese dance company Bakalama, a leading reference in traditional West African dance and percussion, accompanied by the singular voices of Abir El Abed (Morocco) and Kya Loum (Senegal). Together, they will weave a vibrant musical bridge across the Atlantic, blending Morocco's trance traditions with the complex polyrhythms of Senegalese sabars. This concert officially opens the Festival under the sign of a living Africa, spiritual fervour, and shared vital energy. Fusion - Maâlem Houssam Gania with Marcus Gilmore (Morocco, USA) Heir to the great Gnaoua tradition through his father, the legendary Mahmoud Gania, Maâlem Houssam Gania embodies the new generation of an ancestral music in perpetual motion. Sharing the spotlight will be Marcus Gilmore, American prodigy and one of the most inventive drummers in contemporary jazz, bringing rhythmic finesse and modern composition to the stage. Having worked with giants such as Chick Corea, Esperanza Spalding, and Steve Coleman, Marcus Gilmore combines technical virtuosity, bold rhythm, and stylistic openness. Their meeting promises a free and inspired conversation between the deep percussion of the guembri and the sophisticated metrics of jazz. Fusion - Maâlem Mohamed Boumezzough with Anas Chlih, Aly Keïta, Tao Ehrlich, Martin Guerpin, Quentin Ghomari, and Hajar Alaoui (Morocco, Mali, France). Maâlem Mohamed Boumezzough will explore new horizons, sharing the stage with young Moroccan talents and renowned international musicians. Alongside him, Aly Keïta, master of the balafon from Mali, Anas Chlih (guitar), Tao Ehrlich (drums), Martin Guerpin (saxophone), Quentin Ghomari (trumpet), and Hajar Alaoui (vocals) will form a daring hybrid orchestra. Together, they will reinvent the codes of Gnaoua trance, blending African beats, jazz flights, and modern grooves in a creation that's all about celebration, musical freedom, and shared experience. Global Afrobeats phenomenon CKay joins the adventure ! (Nigeria) Since its inception, the Gnaoua Festival has always welcomed major pop and soul artists such as Ayo, Selah Sue, and, more recently, Saint Levant. In keeping with the spirit of openness, this year we welcome CKay, the rising star of Afrobeats. Originally from Nigeria, CKay is the author of the worldwide hit Love Nwantiti, which has been streamed over 6 billion times. A singer, songwriter and producer, he breathes new life into African music with a unique style known as Afro-Emo, fusing African rhythms, soul, and intimate lyrics. With his albums Sad Romance and Emotions, CKay has established himself as a leading voice of his generation, nominated for BRIT Awards, BET Awards and double-winner at the BMI Awards. His concert in Essaouira promises to be one of the highlights of this 26th edition. Since 1998, the Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival has shone through its ability to combine heritage and modernity, tradition and innovation. By investing in training, research, and creation, this Festival has played a significant role in building a genuine Moroccan and African cultural ecosystem, while offering audiences rare and unforgettable musical experiences. MAP: 06 mai 2025
CairoScene
15-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Gnaoua Festival: Celebrating 25 Years of Essaouira's Musical Legacy
Gnaoua Festival: Celebrating 25 Years of Essaouira's Musical Legacy After spending a few days enjoying the beautiful Moroccan coast last summer, I arrived in Essaouira for the 25th edition of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival, joining over 400,000 attendees. Founded in 1998, the Gnaoua Festival was created to highlight and restore Essaouira's neglected splendor, reclaiming the beauty and cultural richness of Morocco's music while uniting musicians, artists, and aficionados from Morocco and around the globe. 2024 brought some of the world's most exciting artists to the stage, from revered Gnaoua master musicians like Maâlem Abdleslam Alikkane, Maâlem Hassan Boussou, and Maâlem Mustapha Baqboub, to contemporary electronic Moroccan-Tunisian duo Aïta Mon Amour, Brazilian artist Ilê Aiyê, flamenco artists Nino de Los Reyes and Sergio Martinez, and many more. Neila Tazi—festival producer, founder of A3 Communications, and one of the most prominent advocates of Gnaoua music internationally—has dedicated years to bringing the Festival to its current global prominence. Francesca, an architect from Rome visiting the festival, remarked how Essaouira's urban fabric was energized by concerts spread across the city: "As an architect and music lover, I was really struck by how the city's urban fabric was in synergy with each event, creating intimacy in each space. I felt hosted and gathered by the city through the music." For its 25th edition, the festival expanded its offerings, partnering with Berklee College of Music for a week of talks and workshops around Essaouira. Additionally, it established a dedicated Gnaoua culture chair in collaboration with the Center for African Studies at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguerir. These initiatives build upon the festival team's monumental efforts over the past quarter-century, placing Morocco firmly on the global cultural stage and encouraging musicians from Africa and beyond to participate, honoring the Gnaoua heritage. "When the idea of a collaboration between Berklee and the Gnaoua World Music Festival first emerged, it felt like a natural fit," said María Martínez Iturriaga, Senior Vice President of Berklee Global. "Both institutions share a deep commitment to celebrating and preserving the rich musical traditions of Africa and the African diaspora while fostering spaces where these traditions can engage in dialogue with cultures from around the world. The educational program we launched together last June embodies this vision, serving as a dynamic creative laboratory where musicians from diverse backgrounds learn not only from Berklee's esteemed faculty but also from one another. We are thrilled to continue this collaboration and eager to witness the new sounds and artistic exchanges that will emerge from this unique learning experience." Berklee has confirmed its participation for the 2025 festival, following their successful inaugural partnership. Saint Levant's headline performance was celebrated by fans from diverse backgrounds, delivering a powerful message of Palestinian liberation on the main stage. Marek Razzouk, founder of Abu Recordings and Saint Levant's manager, highlighted the importance of participating in the festival: "Gnaoua is one of the most fascinating genres to ever come from North Africa. Its fusion of culture and influences transcends borders, and in many ways, Gnawa is our very own jazz." Razzouk added, "It's great to support local festivals and initiatives, but we as young artists and budding executives are genuinely grateful for these platforms and opportunities." A highlight of the festival was the vibrant array of workshops. A standout was the Zaouli Tradition workshop by the Gnaoua Festival team, spotlighting dance and storytelling from the Gouro people of Ivory Coast. The two-hour session drew an audience of all ages and backgrounds, blending storytelling, music, and dance into an unforgettable experience. "Beyond the impressive lineup, the Zaouli tradition workshop was a joy," shared an attendee. "Learning beginner dance steps with such a diverse crowd was exhilarating and offered a real sense of connection." The Gnaoua Festival celebrates the convergence of musical communities from Africa and beyond, providing an essential, unique space to learn, dance, and engage in authentic community spirit. The next Gnaoua and World Music Festival will take place from June 16th to 21st, 2025, in Essaouira.
