The 26th edition of the Gnawa and World Music Festival in Essaouira has unveiled the lineup of anticipated artists for the beach and Bab Marrakech stages, scheduled from June 19 to 21.
According to a statement from the organizers, this year’s festival reinforces its distinction as a cultural meeting point, where Gnawa masters and musicians from around the globe gather annually to create, blend, and exchange.
The organizers highlighted that “the main stage on the beach, designed as a convergence space facing the ocean and one of the festival’s key features, will this year host masters from the iconic Gnawa tradition. Among them is Master Mustafa Baqbou, a cornerstone of Gnawa traditions, who will share the stage with his student and performance partner, Master Najib Oublqas, in a show that combines teaching and musical fusion.” They added that Master Mohamed Kouyou, who boasts an international career, will also participate in a moment that evokes rituals and artistic openness.
The source emphasized that the Gnawa Festival is committed to preserving tradition and supporting a new generation of Gnawa artists. This year’s edition will feature several promising young masters on the beach stage, including Idriss Samlali, Mehdi Kerdoudi, Yassine El Bour, and Redouane El Qasri, who each possess a unique artistic fingerprint rooted in the past and looking towards the future.
The statement also noted that “among the highlights of this stage will be the strong presence of Tiken Jah Fakoly, an icon of African reggae and a free voice who will deliver a committed performance calling for justice, peace, and dignity, fueled by his internationally recognized stage presence.”
Fahd Benchemsi and the Lala’s will present an audacious project blending Gnawa rhythms with gospel and pop tones, offering a contemporary interpretation of Moroccan heritage in an elegant and fun style.
The lineup also includes the artist “The Leila,” who fuses Rkayda, rock, and poetry, and the band “Rbab Fizyon” from Agadir, led by Foulan Bouhssin, reimagining Amazigh music by incorporating elements of funk, blues, and pop.
According to the organizers, Bab Marrakech, the historic fortress overlooking the walls of Essaouira, offers a unique setting for performances during sunset at the festival. With its distinctive architecture, elevated location, and intimate atmosphere, it is an ideal space for exceptional moments.
This venue will welcome prestigious artists such as Hassan Boussou, a musical bridge builder and a familiar face at the festival, where each of his appearances is a celebration of living heritage, and Abdelkader Amili, the deep voice and diligent guardian of rooted art.
The fort will also be a stage for unique performances, including “DUOUD,” the pioneering electronic oud duo composed of Mehdi Haddab and Smadj, known as the “mischievous oud players,” who will present hybrid music blending North African influences with Mediterranean impacts and urban cultures.
The organizers added that on Saturday, the Kurdish project “Nishtiman” will take the audience on a musical journey through the heritage of Iraq, Iran, and Turkey, revealing the richness and diversity of cross-border heritage.
The 2025 edition of the Gnawa Festival will host 350 artists, including 40 Gnawa masters from Morocco, Africa, Europe, North America, the Caribbean, and Asia, in 54 musical performances spread across major stages such as Moulay Hassan Square, the beach, and more intimate venues like Bab Marrakech, Dar Souiri, Beit Al Dhakira, and the Aissawa and Sidi Bilal Zawiyas.
In conclusion, the statement emphasized that “with this rich and bold program, the Gnawa Festival continues its mission of blending spiritual traditions with artistic innovation, amplifying southern voices, and building bridges between cultures.”
