The highly anticipated 25th edition of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival is set to commence on June 27 in Essaouira, Morocco, featuring a groundbreaking fusion concert that unites three UNESCO-listed musical genres.
According to a press release received by Morocco World News, the festival will host over 400 artists from 14 countries across 53 concerts, alongside various cultural events and activities.
The festival will kick off with a traditional opening parade, showcasing all brotherhoods marching together under the leadership of the Gnaoua Maâlems through the streets of Essaouira.
Following the parade, a historic musical fusion concert will highlight the trans-Atlantic brotherhood, featuring artists and dancers from Morocco, Brazil, and the Ivory Coast. This unprecedented performance will blend Gnaoua, Flamenco, and Zaouli, three musical genres recognized by UNESCO for their cultural significance.
The lineup includes esteemed artists such as Maâlem Hassan Boussou, Maâlem Moulay Tayeb Dehbi, Brazilian percussionists from Ilê Aiyê, La Compagnie Dumanlé from the Ivory Coast, and the flamenco duo of Nino de Los Reyes and Sergio Martinez.
The fusion of these diverse rhythms and styles is expected to be a pinnacle of the festival, offering a unique auditory and visual experience.
Beyond the concerts, the festival will feature a human rights forum, a collaborative training program with Berklee College of Music, round table discussions on Gnaoua culture, and a major exhibition showcasing Moroccan visual artists.
With a diverse and inclusive program, organizers anticipate welcoming more than 400,000 attendees from over forty countries, making the Gnaoua and World Music Festival a pivotal event in Morocco’s cultural calendar. The festival not only celebrates the rich heritage of Gnaoua music but also promotes cross-cultural exchanges and collaborations on a global scale.
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