Mawazine and Gnaoua Festivals Continue Despite Contrary Reports

Essaouira – Contrary to reports circulated by local newspapers, Morocco World News has learned from reliable sources within the PR agency of Essaouira’s Gnaoua Festival that both their event and the Mawazine Festival will not be cancelled.

Previous reports indicated that both festivals would not continue with their closing day festivities out of respect to the news of the passing of the mother of King Mohammed VI.

However, the Gnaoua Festival’s PR agency confirmed with MWN that all rumors regarding the cancellation of previously scheduled concerts are unfounded, and that the festivities will proceed with their performances for audiences as originally planned.

For the part of the Gnaoua Festival, despite the announced continuation, the joint partnership program with Berklee College of Music announced that they have cancelled their final program’s concert in respect of the news.

Gnaoua Festival Director Neila Tazi made a joint announcement with Berklee College of Music director Ron Savage that they were saddened about the news of the Princess’ passing and thanked all of the musicians for their understanding of the change in programming.

The official spokesperson of the Royal Palace announced the passing of Princess Lalla Latifa, mother of King Mohammed VI, on Saturday, June 29, 2024. She died at the age of 78, after a battle with illness.

The statement from the Royal Palace spokesperson expressed deep sorrow and grief, announcing the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Latifa on Saturday, 22 Dhu al-Hijjah 1445 AH, corresponding to June 29, 2024 AD.

Princess Lalla Latifa was the wife of the late King Hassan II and mother of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and their Royal Highnesses the Princes and Princesses.

The statement added, “As we mourn this great loss, we pray to Almighty God to bestow His vast mercy and generous forgiveness upon the late Princess, grant her a place in His vast paradise, and prolong the life of our great leader, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, protect him, and perpetuate his glory and victory, and eternalize his righteous deeds. To God we belong and to Him we shall return.”

King Mohammed VI had visited his late mother in Paris, France, last April, where her health condition had deteriorated, according to Africa Intelligence website.