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As the sun set over Casablanca and the lights went up at the Mohammed V Complex, the artists of Comediablanca 2025 gathered backstage. They looked nervous, yet felt honored and sounded energized by the anticipation of a 4,000-strong audience.
The festival, now in its second edition, features some of the most beloved Francophone comedians of the moment.
What it means to perform in Casablanca
But before the first punchline hits the crowd, the performers shared personal insights, emotions, and what it means to take part in a comedy festival of this scale in Morocco.
“I hope it won’t be my last time on stage in Morocco,” said Coco Makmak, one of this year’s notable guests.
For Makmak, Comediablanca represents not just an exciting performance opportunity, but a first encounter with the Moroccan public.
“It was an honor for me to have been contacted by Sarad to take part in the event… all the artists who will be there tonight are big names in comedy, so I’m very happy to be taking part,” she said.
Having participated in the Arabophone Gala the night before, she was struck by the scale and spirit of the venue.
“In a hall of 4,000 people, it’s really impressive,” she enthused. “The energy is incredible. It’s my very first time on stage in Morocco and I hope it won’t be my last.”
Her goal for the night was simple but powerful: “Honestly, what I’m hoping for tonight is that the audience buys into my humor… that I manage to offer you all the notes of humor that make me Coco Makmak.”
Renowned French vocal performer Erick Baert echoed that enthusiasm. “I’m the happiest guy in the world,” he said, visibly moved by the hero welcome he received.
“This is my big premiere here… in front of 4,000 people. I had the chance to see the crowd the night before — it was incredible. The atmosphere, the warmth… it sent shivers down my spine.”
Though excited, the French performer admitted to some pre-show nerves:
“I’m stressed about tonight, I’ll tell you that.”
Baert offered the audience a teaser of what’s to come, hinting at his upcoming return.
“I’m going to do 20 minutes of an extract of what I’m doing in the show because I’m coming back in November with my musicians for two performances here.”
Meryem Benoua, who on this occasion is back in her home country as the event’s host, was even more lyrical about what the show means to her. “It’s the only place where I feel truly at home,” she said.
The Casablanca-born comedian and master presenter described the experience in deeply moving personal terms.
“It’s an honor to be performing in Casablanca, the city where I was born… to be performing for Moroccans, for Casablancais — it’s incredible.”
Her love for the local audience was clear as she spoke.
“The energy of the Moroccan public is exceptional,” she said. “They send out so much love, so much positive energy. And it’s really the only place where I feel truly at home.”
Rising star Mimo Lazrak, also a Casablanca native and a rising star in the francophone scene, spoke of pride and the commitment it takes to hold one’s own when under pressure to rise up to expectations.
For Mimo Lazrak, performing in Casablanca is both a homecoming and a responsibility.
“I’m proud to be playing in Casablanca, my home town, in front of my parents, my family, and the whole world. There’s extra pressure, but I hope I can make them proud,” he said.
A returning artist from last year’s Comediablanca, he was impressed by the festival’s growth.
“It was a great success and I’m back again this year for a bigger edition… with an organization worthy of the biggest comedy festivals in the world.”
Despite having only 12 minutes on stage, Lazrak expressed a desire to stay with the audience longer.
“Sometimes we want to play more, but we respect the festival.”
It’s hard to make a Moroccan laugh
Rounding up this series of enthusiastic comments about the unique joy of giving joy to Casablanca, humorist Oualas spoke of embracing the challenge of a demanding Moroccan audience. A veteran of the Francophone African scene, Oualas (Lazrak Tahar) offered a typically Ivorian and Moroccan-flavored perspective on the Moroccan audience.
“It’s like coming home. I love playing in this city… Casablanca has an incredible public — very generous and very sincere,” he began.
But he also made it clear that this is not an easy crowd. In fact, no Moroccan crowd is.
“The Moroccan audience… is perhaps the most difficult of all the audiences I’ve met. They’re very demanding. If it’s not funny, they don’t laugh.”
To him, however, that high standard is what makes the challenge so rewarding.
“If you make a Moroccan laugh, you can make the world laugh… Moroccans are funny themselves. You have to work at it.”
Oualas emphasized the importance of supporting festivals like Comediablanca, stressing: “It’s a great festival and I’m proud to be here. We, the cultural players, have a duty to accompany and support this kind of initiative.”
For each performer, Comediablanca 2025 is more than just another gig, it’s a stage that reflects their roots, their reach, and their respect for the Moroccan audience. Whether it’s a first-time debut or a long-awaited return, their resoundingly clear message seemed to go to others who will come after them to grace future iterations of Comediablanca: this festival matters.
As the comedians step onto the stage one by one, Casablanca is reminded that laughter, like language, travels far, but always sounds best when it comes from the heart.
