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Marrakech – The third day of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira brought a wave of unfiltered energy to the city’s medina, beaches, and stages.
From traditional trance to experimental fusion, the lineup delivered an immersive experience that had the audience dancing late into the night. Saturday’s program featured an impressive selection of artists: Maâlem Mohamed Boumezzough, Aly Keïta, Anas Chlih, Tao Ehrlich, Martin Guerpin, Quentin Ghomari, Hajar Alaoui, Cimafunk, Khalid Sansi, Hind Ennaira, and Omar Hayat. Each brought their own flair to the stage, mixing Gnawa rhythms with funk, jazz, and global soul.
The atmosphere was electric as artists from different continents came together in celebration of music, rhythm, and resistance.
Among the many acts that stood out were The Leila and the Nishtiman Project, two artists who captivated both hearts and headlines this year.
The Leila is a bold Moroccan performer known for fusing reggada and rock with poetry, feminism, and social commentary.
Her performance was as raw as it was refined, evoking both nostalgia and rebellion.
Tattoos inspired by Amazigh symbols, unapologetic lyrics, and a commanding presence made her one of the most talked-about performers of the day.
The Nishtiman Project, a Kurdish musical collective, transported the crowd through time and across borders.
Founded by Saïd Assadi, the group blends traditional Kurdish instruments like the daf, duduk, and tanbur with innovative arrangements that speak to themes of homeland, displacement, and unity. Their music isn’t just performance — it’s a political and emotional journey.
