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Rabat-Casablanca is once again set to come alive with the enchanting melodies of the 21st edition of the renowned ‘L’Boulevard’ music festival.
The anticipation is tangible as organizers Merhari Mohamed and Hicham Bahou unveiled the festival’s program during a press conference held on Monday, September 4. The lineup features 39 musical groups, including five international acts.
Set to run from September 15 to 24, this year’s edition promises an interesting fusion of diverse musical genres and rich cultural influences, making it a true celebration of the universal language of music.
Among the festival’s headliners stands the undisputed masters of Touareg blues, the Malian group “Tinariwen,” who are making their Casablanca debut.
Hicham Bahou emphasized the historical significance of this performance, particularly for the younger generation of artists hailing from the southeastern region of Morocco, who are increasingly drawn to the world of Touareg blues.
While international acts like Tinariwen add a global flair, the Moroccan music scene takes center stage with the return of crowd favorites like “Ganga Vibes,” the charismatic rapper Shobee, and a lineup of local bands that include Chikno, Old School, DJ Zulu Nawfel, Minerva, DIIB, Lazywall, Thrillogy, The Leila, and Meteor Airlines, among others.
L’Boulevard’s core mission of nurturing local creativity extends its embrace to lesser-known young artists.
“In the programming of this year, we aim to diversify our audience every year and strive to bring different musical styles within the framework of modern music, traditional music, and popular music, or blending several musical styles,” Hicham Bahou stated.
In keeping with tradition, L’Boulevard offers an invaluable platform to emerging artists through the Tremplin competition. A jury of seasoned musicians and music industry professionals meticulously sifted through 281 applications, handpicking 15 exceptional groups and artists.
These talented individuals will grace the stage for three unforgettable days, with the jury granting two groups or artists in each category the chance to transition from amateurs to full-fledged professionals.
Augmenting the festival’s auditory delights is the enchanting “Souk,” an ephemeral market that runs in parallel with the main event. For its 21st edition, the Souk will host more than thirty stands and exhibitors, comprising a diverse ensemble of associations, artists, and creators. Notably, the Souk boasts its own stage and music programming, providing burgeoning talents a platform to unfurl their artistic prowess while affording the public an up-close encounter with emerging groups and musicians.
Beyond the music, L’Boulevard 2023 embraces a higher purpose, incorporating awareness-raising initiatives such as “Souk Rassek.”
In partnership with the 4S association, this endeavor tackles gender-based violence through mediation and awareness campaigns, promoting inclusivity and empathy within the festival community.
The festival’s dedication to featuring local and international talent, fostering emerging artists, and championing significant social causes exemplifies its status as an exceptionally diverse and multifaceted event on the global cultural stage.
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