The 2025 Mawazine Festival: An Artistic Celebration Uniting Generations and Cultures
The 20th edition of the Mawazine World Rhythms Festival kicked off on June 19 in Rabat and Salé, amidst a festive atmosphere brimming with enthusiasm and collective pride. The opening nights featured musical performances across various genres, seamlessly blending local creativity with an international flair, marking a strong beginning to celebrate twenty years of artistic and cultural success.
The festival commenced at the Mohammed V National Theatre with a performance by the Egyptian singer Carmen Soliman, who captivated the audience with a pure rendition that merged classics with contemporary spirit. The following day, the Salé Beach stage transformed into an open platform for popular music, highlighted by performances from Hamza El Snhaji, Adel Mathakouri, and Hajib, who concluded the evening with an exceptional show that had the audience fully engaged.
Other venues showcased a striking variety of programming. At Souissi, global star Afrojack delivered a loud electronic performance, while the Nahda space celebrated the voice of singer Ruby. Meanwhile, the crowd at the Bouregreg River enjoyed the spiritual reggae rhythms performed by Jamaican legend Burning Spear. At the National Theatre, Wael Jassar stood out in a sophisticated and emotional evening.
Moroccan artists led the festival’s lineup, presenting shows that combined modernity with authenticity, with notable appearances by Najat Aatabou, Mounir Slimani, Zakaria Ghafouli, and Slim Krafata. In line with the international theme, the Souissi stage hosted prominent global music stars such as Will Smith, 50 Cent, and Kid Cudi, while the Nahda space shone with Arab music legends like Kazem Al Saher, Nancy Ajram, and Ragheb Alama.
Over the days of the festival, culminating on June 28, the celebration of music and culture continues as a vehicle for diversity and openness, creating a unique artistic experience that attracts a wide audience from within Morocco and beyond.
