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Tangier – Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, has hailed UNESCO’s choice of Tangier to host International Jazz Day celebrations on April 30, saying the decision underscored Morocco’s growing status as a host of prestigious international gatherings.
The minister made the remarks on Tuesday during a press conference on the sidelines of the International Jazz Day celebrations, which was held at the Palace of Arts and Culture in Tangier.
“The decision to hold the event in Tangier and in the Kingdom of Morocco underscores the nation’s capability in hosting multiple international cultural and sporting events, such as the African Cup of Nations football (2025) and the World Cup (2030), among others,” Bensaid said.
Expressing pride in Tangier being chosen to host the International Jazz Day festivities for the first time in Africa, the minister highlighted the global reach of the event, which reaches over two billion viewers worldwide.
Bensaid also noted Tangier’s longstanding association with jazz, citing the city’s history as a destination for jazz legends seeking inspiration and innovation.
He emphasized that the Palace of Arts and Culture in Tangier, inaugurated in line with King Mohammed VI’s vision for fostering cultural development, will play a pivotal role in the city’s cultural scene in line with the ministry’s commitment to enhancing cultural initiatives in Tangier.
Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, Assistant Director-General for Culture at UNESCO, praised the collaboration between UNESCO and the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, emphasizing the festivities as a platform for global musical exchange and celebration.
Read also: UNESCO Announces Tangier as Global Host City for 2024 International Jazz Day
Herbie Hancock, the acclaimed musician, lauded the organization of the event, saying it promises an unforgettable evening for spectators.
Brahim El Mazned, the artistic director of Visa for Music, commended Tangier’s selection, highlighting its significance as the host city for the 2024 edition of International Jazz Day, particularly given its annual Tanjazz festival and historical ties to jazz.
Mayor Mounir Laymouri welcomed the event, anticipating its positive impact on Tangier’s cultural influence and tourism, citing the Palace of Arts and Culture as a catalyst for local cultural promotion.
Hicham Abkari, Director of Arts at the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, emphasized the event’s symbolic importance for Tangier, marking its debut as the African host city for International Jazz Day and the inaugural event at the Palace of Arts and Culture.
Co-organized by UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, with support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Communication, in partnership with the commune of Tangier, the “Jazz Day” festivities spotlighted Tangier’s cultural richness and global significance.
