Essaouira Welcomes the Gnawa Festival: Music Crossing Borders Between Heritage and Globalization
The 26th edition of the Gnawa and World Music Festival kicked off yesterday in Essaouira on the evening of June 19, 2025, amidst an atmosphere filled with magic and excitement. The festival commenced with a Gnawa parade that wove through the narrow streets of the old medina, where the audience swayed to the rhythms of the krakebs and guembri in a lively interaction that reflects the depth and renewed spirit of this authentic art form.
Master musician Hamid El Kasri ignited the Moulay Hassan stage with a heart-felt performance, sharing the spotlight with Senegalese artist Bakalama, who possesses a sweet voice and vibrant African rhythms. The duo successfully created a musical bridge between Moroccan Gnawa and African heritage, delivering a musical moment that expressed the power of cultural convergence and reaffirmed that music remains a universal language that transcends boundaries.
Moroccan artist Abir Al-Abid added a distinguished presence with her warm voice, collaborating with El Kasri to present a diverse musical blend that provided a beautiful balance between power and emotion, while enhancing the female presence in the show.
Essaouira witnessed a large turnout of audiences from various Moroccan cities and abroad to celebrate this grand artistic event, which continues to affirm its position as a vibrant platform for preserving heritage and opening up to the world, under the shining sky of the city filled with moments of joy and celebration.
