The “Mawazine: Rhythms of the World” festival has started to gradually unveil the artistic names that will perform at its twentieth edition, set to take place soon in the capital, Rabat, amidst great anticipation from music lovers both in Morocco and abroad.
The organizing association, “Morocco Cultures,” announced that Lebanese star Ragheb Alama will participate for the first time in this international artistic event. He will take the stage at Nahda, known for hosting performances by Arab music stars, and is expected to present a selection of his most famous songs that have defined his artistic legacy over the decades.
Alama’s participation follows years of being sidelined due to rumors that he insulted Moroccan women, a claim he has consistently denied in various media statements.
In a related context, the festival’s management announced the participation of Lebanese artist Ziad Bourji in this edition, where he will meet his audience on the stage of Mohammed V theater, and is expected to delight attendees with his usual romantic style and his widely popular songs in the Arab world.
Among the Arab stars who will grace the nights of “Mawazine” is Lebanese artist Wael Jassar, who confirmed in a previous statement to Hespress that he has signed a contract to perform at this event, expressing his joy and eagerness to reconnect with his Moroccan fans who love and engage with his work.
Despite this preliminary announcement, the festival’s management remains cautious about fully revealing the artistic lineup, indicating that other prominent names will be announced in the coming days, from both the Arab world and the international music scene.
This year’s edition carries a special significance as it celebrates twenty years since the launch of the Mawazine festival in 2001, which has become a landmark event in the Moroccan cultural scene. Over its history, it has attracted global artistic names such as Shakira, Sting, Maluma, and Katy Perry, alongside Arab music stars like Umm Kulthum via hologram technology, Majida El Roumi, Kadim Al Sahir, Hussein Al Jasmi, Haifa Wehbe, Amr Diab, and Ahlam.
The Mawazine festival, held under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, aims to promote cultural exchange and openness to various global musical expressions. It strives in each edition to offer free performances on multiple platforms across Rabat and Sale, allowing thousands of visitors to enjoy the arts in a unique festive atmosphere.
Mawazine is regarded as one of the most significant artistic events in Africa and the Arab world, consistently attracting top-tier stars from around the globe, blending both Eastern and Western musical styles.
