Rabat – Casablanca’s renowned Jazzablanca festival is returning for the 14th year in a row from July 2-9. This year, the festival will feature 58 concerts across four stages and two venues. Thousands of visitors will flock to Casablanca, Morocco’s “white city,” for the iconic event.
The 14th edition of the festival has 6 big headliners this year – including iconic Scottish rock band Franz Ferdinand, who became stars with their 2004 hit “Take Me Out” on July 2. The band released their 5th album, “Always Ascending” in 2014.
Next on the list of headliners is Tobagonian singer Calypso Rose on July 3. Since the 79-year-old singer started writing songs over 6 decades ago at age 15, she has released more than 800 songs and recorded more than 20 albums. Rose has earned herself the name “Queen of Calypso,” a rhythmic style of Afro-Caribbean music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago.
Next up is British soul singer Michael Kiwanuka on July 4. Kiwanuka earned fame after supporting Adele on her world tour in 2011, as well as releasing his own number one single and a certified gold album. Kiwanuka was born in London in 1987, to Ugandan parents who fled Idi Amin’s regime in the ’70s. He developed a love of rock music at a young age and cites musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and Bill Withers as his influences.
In a change of pace on July 5, English electronic group Metronomy is the 4th headliner on the list. The 5-person group is known for its new wave remixes of popular songs, in addition to their 5 original albums. Metronomy is known for their eclectic live performances, featuring dance routines and light shows.
Next up, on July 6, is the Al McKay Allstars with their show the “Earth, Wind, and Fire Experience.” The 13-piece ensemble, headed by 71-year-old American funk star Al McKay, has performed their show at some of the biggest jazz festivals in the world since the 1960s.
Continuing the theme of funk superstars on July 7, Maceo Parker will be the 6th headliner. Parker began his illustrious musical career in the 1960s when he started working alongside one of the pillars of funk music, James Brown, as a key part of his band. Since going solo in the 1990s, Parker has established himself as a funk icon in his own right.
The annual Jazzablanca festival showcases jazz and jazz fusion, attracting musicians from around the globe to Morocco. Last year, crowds totaling 75,000 gathered for a week of festivities in Casablanca, attending concerts in the city’s streets, theaters, and at more intimate venues.
