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Essaouira – The Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival will continue its 25th anniversary celebration today with a packed program of musical performances, intellectual discussions, and cultural events.
According to the festival organizers, the day will begin with the 11th edition of the festival’s Human Rights Forum from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hôtel Atlas Essaouira & Spa.
This year’s theme, “Morocco, Spain, Portugal: a history that looks to the future”, will bring together scholars, politicians, artists and civil society figures to discuss the shared history and future prospects of the three countries in light of their joint organization of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The festival also features workshops for learning and exchange. Today, Brazilian group Ilê Aiyê will lead a Batucada workshop, giving the public a chance to learn from these masters of Afro-Brazilian percussion.
The Talking Tree, a space for relaxed conversations between artists, journalists and festival-goers, will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Institut Français of Essaouira.
As for the musical acts, the Moulay Hassan Stage will feature Maâlem Mohamed Boumezzough at 8 p.m., followed by the renowned American jazz group The Brecker Brothers Band Reunion at 9:30 p.m.
At 10:30 p.m., Maâlem Mohamed Kouyou will perform in fusion with an ensemble of international artists: Rhani Krija, Guimba Kouyaté, Jon Grandcamp, Kike Perdomo, Mehdi Chaib & HBS Trumpet. Renowned Palestinian artist Saint Levant will close the stage at 11:50 p.m.
On the Beach Stage, Maâlem Abdelkebir Kbiber will play at 8 p.m., preceding the highly anticipated fusion of Maâlem Tariq Aït Hmitti with South African group BCUC at 9:15 p.m. Maâlem Abdelkebir Merchane will follow at 10:30 p.m., with Moroccan band Issam Kamal & Mazagan ending the night at 11:50 p.m.
The intimate lila concerts will continue in various historical venues: at Dar Souiri with Maâlems Abderrahim Oughessal and Abdenbi El Guedari; at Bayt Dakira with Maâlems Ahmed Baalil and Saïd Boulhimas; at Zaouia Issaoua with Maâlems Abdelkader Hadada and Abdelaziz Soudani; and at Zaouia Sidna Blal with Maâlems Seddik Laarch and Abdelkader Amlil.
The festival’s OFF IN THE CITY programming will animate the streets of Essaouira in the late afternoon, with performances by the Hmadcha of Essaouira at Place de l’Horloge (Clock Square), the Issaoua of Essaouira at Place El Khaima, and Ivory Coast’s La Compagnie Dumanlé at La Sqala.
With this full and varied program, the second day of the Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival promises to be a rich celebration of musical fusion, intellectual exchange and cultural vibrancy as the city continues its 25th anniversary festivities.
