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Marrakech – Under the starry sky of Tangier, the Palais des Arts et de la Culture became the backdrop for a unique musical experience on Thursday night, launching the 22nd edition of the Tanjazz festival.
The air was filled with the enchanting sounds of Afro-Cuban melodies from Omar Sosa and the rich Gnaoua rhythms from Majid Bekkas, taking the audience on a global musical journey.
Omar Sosa, the renowned Cuban composer and pianist, opened the evening with an exquisite blend of jazz and Afro-Cuban traditions.
“This fusion between Afro-Cuban music and Gnaoua rhythms is full of sharing, love, peace, and unity,” said Sosa in an interview with Morocco’s news agency (MAP), expressing his thoughts on the powerful fusion of these musical styles.
Sosa highlighted the significance of performing alongside Majid Bekkas, saying: “The Tanjazz festival gave me the opportunity to share the stage with a great artist, Majid Bekkas, for whom I have a lot of respect and admiration.”
Majid Bekkas, known for his innovative African Gnaoua Blues, followed Sosa’s lead, stressing his pride in participating in such an important festival.
“Sharing the stage with Omar Sosa is a very natural choice, considering the similarities between Afro-Cuban music and Gnaoua rhythms, both rooted in African musical traditions,” Bekkas stated.
The inaugural concert was a resounding success, as the Afro-Cuban, jazz, and Gnaoua sounds intertwined in perfect harmony, delighting jazz aficionados and world music lovers alike.
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Moulay Ahmed Alami, president of Tanjazz, remarked that the concert was an “original creation” and a significant achievement for the festival. He emphasized that the Palais des Arts et de la Culture was an “excellent choice” as the artistic venue for this year’s launch.
Alami also highlighted the diverse programming for this edition, describing it as “very varied, close to the public, and different from other editions, while still maintaining continuity.”
This year, Tanjazz introduces a “technological touch,” with drones set to soar over the city, capturing stunning images of Tangier in a festive display.
The festival runs until September 22, with the Palais des Institutions Italiennes also hosting events for the first time.
The outdoor gardens will feature two headlining concerts, including performances by the Gipsy Kings and Keziah Jones.
Throughout the two days, the Lazcare Volcano brass band will energize the spaces before the concerts and wrap up the evenings, enriching the overall celebratory vibe.
Inside the Palais, dance classes will kick off the festivities, while jam sessions will bring the night to a close, ensuring a rich mosaic of jazz in all its forms, along with rock’n’roll.
