dossier presskit - mawazine · “ morocco is proud of the role it plays as a country dedicated to...

DOSSIERDE PRESSE

PressKit

HIS MAJESTY THE KING MOHAMMED VI

“ Morocco is proud of the role it plays as a country dedicated to promoting dialogue between cultures and civilizations and to

upholding universal values. Many national institutions and associations contribute to this objective.”

Message from His Majesty The King Mohammed VI to the participants of the 27th edition of the International Cultural Forum of Asilah.

August 5th, 2005

“[...] Human civilizations form a chain of inter-related links, complementary to one another. Accordingly, they will remain

a heritage of mankind, over which no nation or people, no matter the contribution, should have monopoly or any form of

guardianship, even less claim superiority overothers.»

Message from His Majesty The King Mohammed VI to the participants of the symposium on “The Alliance of Civilizations.” August 3rd, 2008

“However, there is a challenge for all of us, in the North as well as in the South; it concerns our ability to understand and

recognize this global trend, while respecting cultural diversity, promoting dialogue and mutual esteem, and upholding the right

to be different.”

Message from His Majesty The King Mohammed VI to the participants of the 33rd International Cultural Festival of Asilah. July 2nd, 2011

“We firmly believe that the strengthening of dialogue between different cultures and civilizations as well as the respect of cultural diversity can only reach the level of international reality through a national anchor, allowing the ownership of every

citizen’s noble objectives.”

Message from His Majesty The King Mohammed VI to the participants of the International Conference on the Strengthening of Dialogue within

Civilizations and Respect of Cultural Diversity, September 30th, 2013

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Established in 2001 under the High Patronage of His Majesty The King Mohammed VI, May God Assist Him, Mawazine Festival has proposed, throughout its sixteen years of existence, a program combining quality and diversity, evidenced by the performances of renowned Western, Eastern, African and National artists, while also promoting the young talents of the Moroccan scene. This program reflects Mawazine’s concern to promote the values of respect, tolerance and sharing while celebrating the music of Morocco, Africa and elsewhere on a great number of stages across the cities of Rabat and Salé for the greatest pleasure of the Festivalgoers and television viewers across the Kingdom.

My fullest recognition goes to the artists and the public who have contributed to the worldwide reputation of this festival, which, in a short period of a few years, has become a reference in the worlds of show business and music and a milestone in the national cultural agenda. Moreover, by providing free access to 90% of its concerts, accommo-dating people with reduced mobility, and offering invitations to a large number of Moroccan associations, Mawazine confirms its commitment to widen access to culture.Thanks to extensive national and international media coverage, Mawazine has become the flagship of Morocco And a major event in the calendar of festivals worldwide, while respecting the most stringent international standards in this area. The Festival is also a springboard for all the artists of the Kingdom and has become the evidence that a national entertainment industry has its place in our country.

In this regard, I would like to thank our Moroccan partners who contribute by their technical and human skills to the success of this festival.

I would like to extend my deepest thanks to Maroc Cultures’ team. The quality of the Festival program and the values it embodies rest on their dedication and professionalism. My deep appreciation and gratitude goes to our partners and sponsors who help us throughout the editions and whose remarkable support allows us to propose each year a rich and varied program to more and more festivalgoers.

I would like also to pay a special tribute to the authorities and the security services for their valuable input and support who tirelessly spare no effort to ensure that the festival takes place under the best conditions of security and tranquility.

I look forward seeing you from the 12th to the 20th of May 2017 during this 16th edition of Mawazine Rhythms of the World Festival, wishing you a great edition.

Abdeslam AhizounePresident of Maroc Cultures Association

President of Mawazine Festival Rhythms of the World

C o n t e n tEDITORIAL

MAROC CULTURES - About the Association - Our Partners - Acknowledgements

MAWAZINE FESTIVAL RHYTHMS OF THE WORLD - Mawazine in 10 questions - Mawazine: key dates - An independent festival accessible to all - Around Mawazine -Mawazine’svalues - A display of Moroccan creation - In the heart of Rabat -TheFestival’steam - Backstage - Best of 2016

2017 EDITION - Concert venues - Ticketing and sales points - Stage Line up : International Stage / OLM Souissi Oriental Stage / Espace Nahda African Stage / Bouregreg Moroccan Stage / Salé Beach Discovery Stage / Mohammed V National Theatre Music of the World Stage / Chellah Street shows

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Created in 2001, Maroc Cultures is a non-profit association that strives to develop and democratize culture, in accordance with the vision initiated by His Majesty, King Mohammed VI. Recognized for its public utility, Maroc Culture’s main mission is to provide a cultural and artistic creation to all audiences of the Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaër region and is thus at the origin of several events, with the main ones being Mawazine Festival Rhythms of the World and the musical contest Mawazine Generation. To carry forward its actions, the Association relies on a team made up of twenty personalities and professionals from different sectors. This pool of expertise, associated with the collaboration of local enterprises, has enabled Maroc Cultures, over the last fifteen years, to offer major national events positioning Morocco as a reference in the industry of entertainment and performing arts.

MEET MAROC CULTURES

MUSICAL CREATIONS INITIATED BY MAROC CULTURES - Al Aïta : 35 groups paid tribute to this musical genre that is an integral part of the Moroccan oral heritage.

- Unity Reggae Party : led by Ali Campbell (former singer of UB40), with the participation of Sly Robbie, Bitty Mc Lean, Khalifa, and Mahmoud Bassou.

- Al Di Meola & Saïd Chraïbi : musical creation that brought together the great Italian-American guitar player and the famous Moroccan Oud player.

- Lui Fang & Driss El Maaloumi : musical creation between pipa virtuoso (Chinese traditional lute) and the famous and talented Moroccan lute-performer.

- Don Big & Omar Sosa : jazz and rap music were honored by this unique collaboration.

- Collaboration with the Royal Symphony Orchestra: • Sting • Ennio Morricone • Roger Hodgson • George Benson

- Nass El Ghiwane Creation: a novel project that brought together songwriter Safy Boutella with the performances of Nass El Ghiwane, Saïda Fikri and Victor Wooten.

- Bokra : song of hope produced by Quincy Jones and RedOne, bringing together singers from the Arab world

- Fortunat Frölich & the Moroccan Choir: an exceptional meeting that brought together the Swiss composer and the Moroccan Choir jointly interpreting songs from their own countries.

- Chellah’s Creation :• Musical Silk Road (2013) : throughout this road that linked Asia to Europe for centuries, eight groups offered an exceptional creation that immersed the spectators in the heart of an ancestral world, rich in myth and poetry.

• Song of the Rivers (2014): musical traditions born on the banks of the Nile, Mississippi, Euphrates, Umm Rabii, and Danube which spawned an extraordinary musical heritage with unforgettable sound experiences at heart.

• Music in Every Port (2015): Athens, Istanbul, Malaga, Buenos Aires, Praia, Lisbon, and Marseille... Melting pot and crossing point, the principal port cities of the planet allowed the blooming of repertoires formed from diverse expressions at the crossroads of East and West, rural and urban, sacred and profane.

• World’s Mystical Songs (2016): chants, ranging from Persian mystical songs to Egyptian trance, from popular Algerian songs to Eastern Europe Yiddish songs, and from Gypsy Music of Southern Europe to Mongol Shaman incantations and Japanese Buddhist Sutras … Mystical experience is a vertigo which grips the soul in Divine Beatitude. Great mystics have all expressed the difficulty of articulating or representing the ecstasy which has carried them away.

Maroc Culture’s productions from 2002 to 2017- 16 editions of Mawazine Festival Rhythms of the World - 9 editions of the musical competition of young talents, Mawazine Generation. - “Feels so Right” video clip in collaboration with producer RedOne. - Machâhid: this is show of sound and light which re-enacts the greatest moments of Rabat history in the magical setting of the Kasbah des Oudayas.

Shows by Maroc Cultures - The Piaf show, La Vie en Rose in Rabat. - Gérard Lenorman’s tour in Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech in 2009. - Organization of three representations of ABBA THE SHOW in Rabat and Casablanca in 2009. - The Harlem Gospel Choir Concert, the most renowned choir of the United States in Rabat and Casablanca in 2010. - Concert of guitarist Al di Meola in Rabat and Casablanca in 2010. - Rhythms of the Heart Concert in Rabat in 2011. - Voices of Peace Concert in Marrakech in 2011. - Hindi Zahra Concert in 2011 in Rabat and Casablanca. - Maroc Cultures’ Contest on the occasion of Morocco Mall’s opening night in 2011, with the participation of Jennifer Lopez.

Ours partners

OFFICIAL SPONSOR

SPONSORS

OFFICIAL TV PARTNERS

MEDIA PARTNERS

Becoming a partner of the Mawazine Festival Rhythms of the World means being by the side of one of the greatest cultural musical events in the world focusing on the universal and the future. Maroc Culture wholeheartedly thanks all its key actors who support the event and contribute to its influence.

LA RÉFÉRENCE AU QUOTIDIEN

ACkNOWLEDGMENtS Ever since its creation, the Mawazine Festival Rhythms of the World has been the essential rendezvous for music amateurs in Morocco with upwards of 2.5 million festival-goers attending at each edition. This marvelous success has been made possible thanks to the public’s loyalty, the artists’ trust, the partners’ and sponsors’ support, the professionalism of the enterprises participating in the organization, and the commitment of the Maroc Cultures Association’s teams. The organization conveys them its deepest gratitude, as well as to the authorities that do a tremendous job securing festival-goers and artists and support the smooth functioning of this event.

Administrative Departments :

- The Ministry of Interior- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, in particular the Directorate of Consular Affairs- The Ministry of Culture- The Ministry of Communication and notably the Mohammed V National Theatre- The Ministry of Tourism- The Bouregreg Valley Development Agency- The National Airport Authority- The General Customs Department

Local and Regional Authorities :

- The Wilaya of the Region of Rabat – Salé – Zemmour - Zaërs - The Municipal Council of the City of Rabat- The Municipal Council of the City of Salé- The Council of the Region of Rabat- Salé - Zemmour – Zaërs - The Prefectural Council of the City of Rabat - The Prefectural Council of the City of Salé- The Technical Services of the Wilaya and of the Municipalities of Rabat and Salé - The Districts of Rabat and Salé

Security Services:

- The General Directorate for National Security and particularly the Police Prefecture of Rabat– Salé –Temara – Khemisset- The General Directorate of Civil Defenses, particularly the Regional Command of Civil Defense of Rabat - The Royal Gendarmerie Services - The Auxiliary Forces

the Regional Directorate of Public Health of Rabat

the Chellah Historical Site Conservation Services.

1. WHAt iS MAWAziNE’S CALLiNG?

Since its creation, Mawazine is loyal to its fundamental aspiration: democratizing access to culture, presenting big international music names, valorizing Moroccan creation and promoting the development of a national music and entertainment industry.

2. WHy HAvE vALUES BEEN CENtRAL tO MAWAziNE FEStivAL?

Mawazine spreads and upholds a message of tolerance, openness, sharing, respect, and dialogue illustrating the principles defended by Morocco throughout its history. Mawazine promotes these values to all festival goers, and mainly to the youth. As a popular and cultural forefront event, the festival seeks to establish strong ties with its local suppliers and constant commitment to the associative sector.

3. iN WHAt WAyS DOES MAWAziNE HONOR MOROCCAN ARtiStS?

With over half of its lineup dedicated to the Kingdom’s singers and musicians, Mawazine is the only international festival in Morocco that grants such a key focus to national music. Furthermore, the festival offers Moroccan artists extensive media coverage with the presence of journalists from all over the world and televised broadcasting of concerts.

4. WHAt DOES MAWAziNE DO ON BEHALF OF yOUNG tALENtS?

Loyal to its vocation of encouraging the young generation, Mawazine dedicates each year a lineup highlighting the new talents of Moroccan music. The festival is thus committed to the promotion of artists, enabling them to perform live after the release of an album or single. True springboard for aspiring artists, Mawazine offers the rare opportunity for artists to perform in front of hundreds of thousands of people in exceptional scenic conditions, all while benefiting from considerable media spin-offs

5. HOW iS MAWAziNE’S iNtERNAtiONAL DiMENSiON SHORED UP, BEARiNG iN MiND tHAt it iS ALREADy AN iNtERNAtiONAL FEStivAL?

Artists and performing arts professionals come from the four corners of the globe and Mawazine’s media coverage is international. In this light, the festival takes particular care in offering the most diverse lineup possible by presenting, each year, the musical heritage of several countries. This coverage raised the festival in 2013, to second place in the category of major musical events of the planet, according to MTV Iggy.

MAWAziNE iN 10 qUEStiONS

6. WHAt iS MAWAziNE PUBLiC OUtREACH POLiCy?

An artist’s career and success is primarily based on the welcome of fans. Mawazine is aware of this reality and gives great importance to concert accessibility for festival-goers. In Rabat and Salé, 90% of shows are free and six stages are positioned in the two cities resulting in true proximity with the people. This democratization of access to culture is part of Mawazine’s DNA. This is what establishes the sacred connection between the festival and its audience.

7. EvERy yEAR, tHE MEDiA iMPACt OF MAWAziNE iS CONSiDERABLE. HOW CAN tHiS iMPACt BE ASSESSED iN FiGURES?

The promotional work undertaken by Mawazine since its creation allowed, last year, for the accreditation of over 648 journalists, all nationalities considered, and contributed to the publication of about 4500 articles, as well as television and radio broadcasts in Moroccan and international press. Sign of the growing level of interest the festival generates, over 900 interviews were conducted in 2016 a record! As well as some thirty press conferences organized in order to present the artists to the media 8. OvER tHE yEARS MAWAziNE HAS EStABLiSHED SPECiAL tiES WitH RABAt AND SALE. WHAt kiND OF RELAtiON DOES tHE FEStivAL REALLy HAvE WitH tHE tWiN CitiES? Organized by Maroc Cultures Association, part of Mawazine’s main mission consists in creating a cultural offer for the audiences in the region of Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaër. In this light, the festival highlights the intrinsic relationship woven by Rabat and Salé with music and art in general. Taking over the premises during nine days at the heart of the two cities, Mawazine emphasizes the value of its exceptional sites, most of which – concerning Rabat- are classified a UNESCO World Heritage site. The festival stages cast a new light on sites as astonishing as Bouregreg and Chellah. Moreover, Rabat and Salé benefit each year of the festival’s extremely positive impact on the local economy and particularly on the tourism industry.

9. iN 2013, Mtv iGGy RANkED MAWAziNE tHE “SECOND LARGESt FEStivAL iN tHE WORLD.” HOW iS SECURity OF FEStivAL-GOERS ENSURED?

The organization of security responds to the strictest international norms. Every stage benefits of entirely secured circulation spaces and a command post unit connected to the Police Prefecture, disposing of independent means of telecommunication and video surveillance. The safety of festival-goers is ensured by a complete system which includes public security agents dispatched around the sites, on roads and access routes, as well as civilian police in charge of setting medical services throughout the festival sites.

10. MAWAziNE CELEBRAtES itS 16tH ANNivERSARy. WHAt iS tHE RECiPE OF itS DURABiLity?

Mawazine is deeply embedded in its history; however, it is also keen to welcome novelty and originality. Throughout the years, the festival evolved while preserving its essential values: quality, tolerance, discovery of new talents, as well as the hosting of artists and journalists to promote Morocco’s image and contribute to the recognition of the country’s musical creation. At every edition, projects see the day, experiences are transmitted, and cultures are discovered: it is this effervescence that makes the festival the reflection of Morocco and of its era.

2001Mawazine was born through the spirit of openness and sharing which prompted the creation of the Maroc Cultures Association. The idea was simple: to offer a quality musical event, accessible to the biggest number and destined to promote values of tolerance and diversity advocated by Morocco. As the Kingdom’s capital, home to major historic sites and dedicated to its leading cultural development policy, Rabat represented the perfect place to host such an event.

2002With the High Patronage of His Majesty The King Mohammed VI and the commitment of the Maroc Cultures teams, the month of may 2002 saw the event of the first Mawazine Rhythms of the World. It was an immediate success. In addition to concerts, uniting Youssou N’dour, Cesaria Evora, Celia Cruz and Mory Kanté, Maroc Cultures, convinced of the festival’s civic role, developed a program with open door workshops, film projections, exhibitions and round table discussions, during which the audience discovered and exchanged with artists come from all four corners of the globe.

2003For its second edition, Mawazine gathered major artists from Africa and beyond: Carlinhos Brown, the Burundi Drums, Salif Keita, Yuri Buenaventura, etc. having received very positive echoes the recent year, Maroc Cultures decided to further develop open door workshops, bringing together forty something singers and musicians. Fans increased and success began to spread beyond Morocco’s borders: international media cited Mawazine as an excellent initiative .

2004Launching its third edition, Mawazine was organized in a much more professional manner. A team of several dozen members began to work for the festival during the whole year and a chain of local service-providers began to be structured. Visitors got accustomed to Mawazine featuring international star performers and this year saw the presence of artists from the five continents. The “Marionnettes sur Eau du Vietnam” made a strong impression and Mawazine reserved the surprise of Machahid, a show of sound and light against the backdrop of the magical Kasbah des Oudayas. This historic site was exceptionally showcased and was listed a few years later as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2006Mawazine’s fifth edition marked a turning point in the festival’s history. The number of visitors kept on growing, concerts were more numerous, Mawazine’s international spirit began to shine. This year, Maroc Cultures endowed the event with a new visual identity and figures of Arab and Moroccan music performed, including Wael Jessar, Nass el Ghiwane and Hoba Hoba Spirit. Yuri Buenaventura came back for the second time, demonstrating the ties of loyalty Mawazine began to weave with the artists. To mark its support of the Kingdom’s young talents, Maroc Cultures launched Mawazine Generation, the first musical contest in the country. In addition to concrete help in launching their career, the laureates were also given the opportunity to perform at the festival.

2008In front of Mawazine’s critical and popular success, this year Maroc Cultures invited international stars. George Benson, Nancy Ajram, Assala, Juanes, and Whitney Houston marked the event with performances assembling tens of thousands of spectators. To offer a lineup appealing to all generations, particularly to the youth, Mawazine innovated and invited DJ star David Vendetta for a memorable concert. The festival also initiated new formulas with the implementation of access cards, allowing a privileged access to concerts in a reserved area in front of every stage.

MAWAziNE: kEy-DAtES

international figures (Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, Mory Kanté, etc.) and Moroccan figures (Nass El Ghiwane, Hajja Hamdaouiya, Saida Charaf, etc.) Maroc Cultures presented a check worth 3.5 million dirhams to the families of the victims.

2012With global recognition and a record visitor number, Mawazine put an end to public subsidies that financed until then a part of the festival. As a result of the economic model put in place by Maroc Cultures, Mawazine was now only calling upon private sponsors and on its revenues generated by the event. Once again, the lineup placed great emphasis on stars, such as Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey, Pitbull and LMFAO; a sensation on the stage of the OLM Souissi. The record, however, was beaten beat by Khaled who attracted 175,000 people to his concert!

2013More popular than ever, Mawazine proposed this year a historic edition with extraordinary concerts where artists and public connected like ever before. For their performance at the OLM Souissi, Enrique Iglesias invited fans on stage and Jessie J charmed her fans with her wonderful show and sang a song for a girl from the audience! Maroc Cultures took advantage of this thirteenth edition to launch a new concept of musical creation on the Chellah historic site.

Dedicated to the silk music route, the lineup brought together singers and musicians from the four corners of the world. This year was also that of all records: with 2.5 million spectators, the MTV-Iggy site ranked Mawazine second in the category of the greatest cultural events of the planes.

2016Once again Mawazine confirms its strong appeal with a remarkable turnout of 2.6 million spectators. Besides, the festival broke a series of records on a number of emblematic stages: Hardwell and Maitre Gims attracted as many as 300,000 fans to the OLM-Souissi open-air stage. In the meantime, during their respective evening performances, Najat Aatabou, Statim and Hajib drew a cumulated 550,000-strong audience! Resolutely youth oriented and committed, Mawazine employed some 200 young people in the framework of CDD (or, fixed-term contracts) in order to train them and enable them to experience a unique international festival, firsthand.

2009With Mawazine benefiting from increasingly important media coverage, Maroc Cultures decided to launch a stage dedicated to international artists. The OLM Souissi appeared with a lineup worthy of major global events. Kylie Minogue, Alicia Keys, Martin Solveig, and Stevie Wonder assembled incredible crowds. This eighth edition of Mawazine was a record-breaking year; the festival exceeded the one million mark of spectators for the first time.

2010First festival of Africa, Mawazine continued this year its upmarket positioning. Maroc Cultures invited new star performers, including Sting, Wael Jassar, Elissa and Julio Iglesias. Santana offered the spectators an unforgettable moment by inviting, on the stage of the OLM Souissi, El Maalam Bakbon, while Elton John performed for 2h30. A record!

2011Reacting to the Marrakech attack, Maroc Cultures decided to move Mawazine to the ocher city, where it organized «the Voices of Peace» concert. Over 45 000 people responded to the call and attended the performances of

MAWAziNE: kEy-DAtES

AN iNDEPENDENt FEStivAL ACCESSiBLE tO ALLWith free access to 90% of its lineup, Mawazine supports public accessibility and culture democratization. This commitment is illustrated through the six stages in Rabat and Salé, which, devoting symbolic sites of the two cities, allows to touch a maximum number of people and fulfills the festival’s wish for greater proximity. Since 2013, a political initiative has also been put in place in favor of people with reduced mobility.

This was translated into the granting of hundreds of places, graciously offered to associations, so that people with reduced mobility may attend concerts in dedicated areas in accordance with international standards. Open and popular, Mawazine is also 100% independent. Since 2012, as a result of its economic model, Mawazine was no longer dependent on public help. Its sources of revenue exclusively come from private sponsors and revenues generated by entry-pass sales, of derived products and other. Today, this model is based on a budget with 32 % coming from private sponsors, who benefit in return from quality professional publicity, and 68% from variable revenue.

AROUND MAWAziNESince its creation in 2001, Mawazine imposed itself as a forefront economic actor in the cities of Rabat and Salé. Every year, the festival generates over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs and provides work for roughly fifty Moroccan companies, every single edition. Mawazine also boosts professional activity services in tourism by increasing their sales revenue by about 22% on average, every year. Four sectors hence benefit from Mawazine’s effect and from a significant growth in revenue: retail outlets, catering, transportation, and hospitality. The Hotel industry thus records a 100% occupation rate during the festival, which accounts for two to four times the usual rate. Inasmuch as it guarantees sustainable activity to hundreds of technicians and service providers, Mawazine also fosters the emergence of a local entertainment industry privileging a close collaboration with local service providers and contributing to the development of a dozen professions, which have hitherto been underrepresented in Morocco, notably the professions of: location manager; engineers; sound and lighting technicians; technicians in charge of scene set up and fitting; technical directors; …

Besides, by receiving journalists from the world-over, Mawazine makes it possible for Rabat and Sale to benefit from a wide media-coverage.

MAWAziNE’S vALUESMawazine’s vocation is to carry the Moroccan cultural model abroad and work to disseminate the values upheld by Morocco: tolerance, openness, sharing, and diversity. Tolerance is reflected through Mawazine’s lineup grasping all cultures of the world and shedding light on the richest facets of the planet’s musical heritage.

Openness and plurality are reflected through Mawazine’s gratuity policy, allowing free access to over 90% of its concerts, accordingly favoring the participation of all social strata. Since 2013, the festival provides dedicated areas to people with reduced mobility, proof of its commitment to a programming aiming to please all audiences. This notion of diversity is found in a musical lineup that invites artists from the whole world. It carries a message of mutual respect, where influences and fusion are at the origin of exceptional encounters and creations.

Finally, the notion of sharing is illustrated by the special care taken by Mawazine to attract all generations. With the presence of artists of different careers and styles, the festival responds to the most diverse tastes while addressing all ages.

A SHOWCASE OF MOROCCAN CREAtiONAware that Morocco’s radiance is transmitted through the promotion of its artists, Mawazine works to increase the visibility of great figures of Moroccan music, as well as promising young talents. This esteem of national creation is represented by half the lineup dedicated to the Kingdom’s singers and musicians. In this light, Mawazine in commits to presenting the greatest repertoire diversity in order to offer all features of Moroccan music: gnaoua, chaabi, amazighe, rap, rock, reggae, classical, hip hop, electronic, tarab, etc.

The stage of Salé symbolizes each year the promotion process initiated by Mawazine for Moroccan artists; completely dedicated to them, offering stage conditions equivalent to those reserved to international stars. During the nine days of the festival, groups and singers of Morocco thus benefit of the collaboration and commitment of real entertainment industry professionals on all levels: technical, logistics, communication, etc. this unique contribution to the valorization of the national musical heritage is also reflected through the artists’ media coverage

They are regularly put forward on the occasion of press conferences, which attract national and international media. Interviews with journalists from around the globe are also organized to showcase Moroccan artists’ career paths, music, and references. In this way, Mawazine encourages and favors the recognition of Moroccan artists well beyond the Kingdom’s borders.

At the Heart of RabatThe birth of Mawazine is engraved in the historical relationship nurtured by the city of Rabat with the world of culture, particularly, with the desire of His Majesty, King Mohammed VI, to make the capital a center of intense promotional activity of Moroccan and international creation. This vision is concretized every year, in the month of May, during the nine days of the festival; Rabat becomes the epicenter of world music.

Far from being a spectator, Rabat participates in Mawazine’s success by offering its streets, monuments, and symbolic places listed since 2012 in UNESCO’s world heritage. The festival hence casts light on its most beautiful sites: the Bouregreg Valley, the Kasbah des Oudayas, the Mohammed V National Theatre, Chellah Historic Site, etc. By hosting Mawazine each year, Rabat becomes a true open-sky stage enabling the promotion of the capital and its history, all while working to promote modern and open Morocco.

ABDESLAM AHizOUNE

President of Maroc Cultures

President of Mawazine Festival Rhythms of the World Aziz SEGHROUCHNi

Deputy President of Maroc Cultures

MAWAziNE FEStivAL ORGANiziNG COMMittEE

HASSAN kHiyAR : Public Relations NAOUFAL kADMiRi : General TreasurerRitA LAiCH : General AffairszAkARiA LAHJOMRi : Development MOHAMED LAkLACH : Production and infrastructures MOHAMED ACHBAL : Relations with authorities and technical coordination MOUNiA EL kHEttAR MOULiNE : Communication and Press HOUDA CHELOUAti : LogisticskHALiD SAADAOUi : Purchasing managerSEDDik RHERiSSi : Access control yOUNES DAHBi : AccountingAMiNA ziADi : Assessor

ARtiStiC BOARD

AMiN SAMi : Artistic Advisor, in charge of the Western and African programmingMAHMOUD LEMSEFFER : Artistic Advisor, in charge of Oriental programming ELHASSAN NEFFALi : Artistic Advisor, in charge of Moroccan programming

tHE FEStivAL’S tEAM

BACkStAGE As second best musical festival on the planet, Mawazine works to collaborate with several hundreds of professionals whose work is inscribed in the annual agenda and involves dozens of types of expertise. To ensure success at every edition, the Maroc Cultures Association relies on a dedicated team who closely collaborates with fifty of Moroccan service providers, mobilizing over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs created for the occasion.

During the twelve months following the festival, over 300 people, directly attached to Maroc Cultures, cooperate on a daily basis throughout various departments.

Key to Mawazine’s success, the festival teams who work day and night, hand in hand, with absolute professionalism and en ever growing passion, in order to offer the public and the artists an event up to the challenge: presenting a window of the world on Morocco, promoting its culture and model of tolerance and openness.

Best of 2016

CONCERt vENUES

LARGE StAGES Open-air, free, and accessible to all, the four large stages are designed and secured to host an extensive audience ranging from 15 000 to 200 000 people.

iNtERNAtiONAL StAGE / OLM SOUiSSiLocated in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Rabat, the OLM Souissi is the heartland of international music. The audience has an appointment with the festival’s most awaited major figures.Address: Imam Malik Avenue, in front of Sofitel Rabat

ORiENtAL StAGE / NAHDA AREAThe Nahda area welcomes the biggest names of the Eastern scene. It is the meeting point of all fans of the modern and classi-cal Arab repertoire.Address: Souk Hay Nahda III, Hay El Barid

AFRiCAN StAGE /BOUREGREGMagical place of the capital, this stage is built upon an esplanade dominating the two shores of the Bouregreg with a breathtaking view on the Oudayas’ Kasbah. It is the essential meeting place for African music lovers.Address: In front of the Ou-dayas historic site

MOROCCAN StAGE / SALÉ BEACHBuilt on the beach, this stage is located on the other side of the Bouregreg. It is made to host the big names of national music. The audience has an appointment with valuable assets of the na-tional music heritage, it can dis-cover and rediscover, on stage with the same joy. During 9 days, the Kingdom’s greatest talents will offer the public music at the crossroads of gnaoua, châabi, rock, reggae, fusion, Amazigh, rap and hip hop.Address: Beach of Salé

CONCERt vENUES

iNtiMAtE StAGES Two connoisseur stages have conquered, since the creation of the festival, an expert and music loving audience. These stages are reserved to a quality lineup, open on the world and traditional music. Concerts are accessible at a fee.

MUSiC OF tHE WORLD StAGE / CHELLAHHiStORiC SitESince the festival’s creation, it is in this magic place full of history and meaning where the most beautiful melodies come from the whole world are presented. The history and aura of this place make it a prestigious venue for artists. Reputed for its authentic concerts, the Chellah site will welcome beautiful voices come from far to delight a pu-blic of fine connoisseurs.Address: Chellah Historic Site

DiSCOvERy StAGE / MOHAMMED v NAtiONALtHEAtREEssential venue for the capital’s cultural and artistic life, the Mohammed V National Theatre vibrates each year to the sounds of the great voices of the international scene. Address: Moulay Rachid Avenue Address: Avenue Moulay Rachid

tiCkEtiNG & SALES POiNtS tiCkEtiNGOLM SOUiSSi : Access is free with the exception of a reserved area in front of the stage for ticket and/or card holders. Ticket prices range between 600 and 1200 MAD.

NAHDA AREA : Access is free with the exception of a reserved area in front of the stage for ticket and/or card holders. Ticket prices is 300 MAD for all concerts.

BOUREGREG : Access is free with the exception of a reserved area in front of the stage for ticket and/or card holders. Ticket prices range between 100 and 300 MAD.

StAGE OF SALÉ : Access is free with the exception of a reserved area in front of the stage for ticket and/or card holders. Ticket prices to access this space is 100 MAD for all concerts.

MOHAMMED v NAtiONAL tHEAtRE : Rates to access this stage vary from 200 and 2000 MAD.

CHELLAH HiStORiC SitE : 100 MAD for all concerts.

CARD RAtES

GOLD CARD : • Valid for concerts scheduled for the duration of the festival.• Valid for one person.• Allows illimited access to a reserved area in front of each of the four large stages (African / Boure-greg, International / OLM Souissi, Moroccan / Salé Beach, and Eastern / Nahda Area).• Price: 4 500 MAD.

FASt GOLD CARD:• Allows for all Gold Card advantages.• Conceived to access concerts without waiting.• Price: 6 000 MAD.

SALES POiNtSMawazine Agencies, onsite, and online. An entire sales device has been put in place by the Maroc Cultures Association in order to facilitate purchases and access to special offers.

AGENCiES “MAWAziNE StORE”

The first agency is located within the Downtown Rabat Train Station and the 2nd agency at the Casablanca Twin Center (in front of Acima). These agencies are information centers and ticket and card sales points. This initiative reflects the organizers’ need for proximity, making the festival’s different programs more accessible.

RABAt :

• Mawazine Store (Downtown Rabat Train Station)• Mohammed V National Theatre• Virgin Megastore• Megamall• Marjane Hay Riad Gallery• Commercial Agencies of Maroc Telecom located in shopping malls.

CASABLANCA :

• Mawazine Store (Twin Center, in front of Acima)• Virgin Megastore (Anfa Place)• Morocco Mall• Commercial Agencies of Maroc Telecom.• Fnac Morocco Mall

MARRAkECH :

• Virgin Megastore at Mazar• Commercial Agencies of Maroc Telecom located in shopping malls.

FES :

• Virgin Mégastore at Borj Fès.• Commercial Agencies of Maroc Telecom located in shopping malls.

tANGiER :

• Commercial Agencies of Maroc Telecom located in shopping malls.

tEMARA Et kÉNitRA :

• Commercial Agencies of Maroc Telecom.

ONSitE SALES :

During the nine days of the festival, salespoints are installed at stage venues:• OLM Souissi• Bouregreg• Nahda Area• Stage of Salé• Mohammed V National Theatre• Chellah Historic site

STAGE LINE UP2017

INTERNATIONAL STAGE

OLM SouissiThe OLM Souissi is considered international music head quarters and prestigious place for popular gatherings to which Mawazine holds the secret. On this stage, the most notorious and awaited artists perform before an audience of hundreds of thousands. United at this exceptional venue, in proximity to one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Rabat, the OLM Souissi audience has an appointment, every year, with the greatest performers of the planet, of many different styles.

Wiz Khalifa

Multi-platinum selling, Grammy and Golden Globe nominated recording artist, Wiz Khalifa burst onto the scene with mainstream success with the release of his first major label debut, Rolling Papers in 2011. ‎Rolling Papers spawned the hugely successful hits Black and Yellow, Roll Up and No Sleep and gave Wiz the platform to win the award for Best New Artist at the 2011 BET Awards and Top New Artist at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards. His sophomore studio album, Blacc Hollywood, ‎debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart and featured the hit single We Dem Boyz. See You Again off the Furious 7 soundtrack, catapulted to the top of the charts across 95 countries. He released Khalifa in February of 2016 as a thank you to fans which includes the tracks Bake Sale featuring Travis Scott, Zoney and Elevated. In June Wiz released TGOD Mafia Presents: Rude Awakening with his TGOD Mafia collaborator Juicy J. He is currently preparing to release a new studio album later this year.

USASaturday, May 13th

Ellie Goulding UK Friday, May 12th

CHIC FEATURING NILE RODGERS

Composer, producer, music arranger and guitarist, Nile Rodgers has had a tremendous influence on modern popular music through titles such as Good Times, Le Freak or more recently Get Lucky. Considered a living legend of the music world, Nile Rodgers co-founded with bassist Bernard Edwards the CHIC band, thus by cultivating a unique mode of musical expression-musical vocabulary and hits that earned no less than eleven Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominations. His compositions, his multiple productions for artists like David Bowie and Madonna or his avant-garde collaborations with Daft Punk, Avicii, Disclosure and Sam Smith have generated more than 200 million albums and 50 million singles sold around the world . The leading magazine Rolling Stone recently ranked Nile Rodgers among the 50 most important people in the world of music.

USASunday, May 14th

With 30 million sold albums, Ellie Goulding is an international star and one of the most prominent British artists to date. Very active on the social networks, she has no less than 13 million followers on Instagram, 13 million fans on Facebook and more than 6 million followers on Twitter. With her eclectic electro-pop melodies that made her successful debut in 2010, the resolutely feminine and vibrant Ellie Goulding has made a name for herself in the world of music, combining international accolades with both critical and public recognition. This success allowed her to be in vogue in Hollywood. She composed the soundtracks of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Fifty Shades of Gray and Bridget Jones Baby..

CHIC FEATURING NILE RODGERSUSASunday, May 14th

Booba

Boasting eight gold and five platinum records, including three double platinum ones: Booba is by far the first French rapper. Born in the Paris region in 1976, Booba, as a real name Elie Yaffa, became known with the duo Lunatic whose album Mauvais Oeil, released in 2000, won the first ever Gold Record attributed to a 100% independent rap label. Since then, Booba has been leading a solo career marked by a successful track record, including the number of digital sales in a single week in France, all musical categories combined. Recognized all over the world, his immense talent allowed him to collaborate with P. Diddy, Akon and Ryan. Leslie.

Senegal/FranceTuesday, May 16th

Ms. Lauryn Hill USAMonday, May 15th

DJ Snake

Born in Paris in 1986 as William Grigahcine, DJ Snake lives in the United States where he overnight not only asserted his artistic talent on the electro music stage, but also became a real cultural phenomenon, reaping platinum record after another. Since his first Grammy in 20111 as co-producer of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way, and later Lean On, 2015 listed Summer song and most popular onSpotify to his last album, Encore, n°1 on the top Billboard Dance / Electronic Albums in 2016, DJ Snake has continuously been awarded prizes and certifications and collaborating with great artists like Alesia, Kanye West, AlunaGeorge, Major Lazer or Lil Jon.

FranceWednesday, May 17th

Lauryn Hill’s mythical voice has enchanted generations of fans. With The Fugees band, she was the Queen over the hip-hop scene of the 90s. In 1996, their album The Score hit the shelves to remain until now the best-selling rap album in USA. In 1993, though only aged 18, Lauryn Hill outshined the whole cast of the cult film, Sister Act II. In 1998, she released her first solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The album sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. In 2001, Lauryn Hill takes a more spiritual path to offer to her fans the album MTV Unplugged 2.0. In 2015, to celebrate Nina Simone, Lauryn Hill unveils an elegant and faithful cover version of the former’s songs as part of a documentary devoted to the legendary singer. She also chooses to sing five other titles from the giant soul music singer in the album, Nina Revisited: A tribute to Nina Simone.

Demi Lovato

As a renowned actress and singer, Demi Lovato is the best example of a multi-talented artist. At the age of four she takes part in her first singing contest. When she turned 14, she is cast in the Prison Break series. With her girlfriend Selena Gomez, Demi subsequently plays in a successful television movie. In addition to her career on the screen, playing in Gray’s Anatomy, Demi starts a music career by recording as of 2008 several albums that rank at the top of the charts: Here We Go Again, Unbroken or Confident, Which include productions by Toby Gad, Timbaland, Missy Elliott and Max Martin.

USAFriday, May 19th

Nick Jonas

Leader of the famous Band, Jonas Brothers, Nicholas Jerry Jonas has always devoted his life to music to find himself from an early stage in his musical career in the world of Broadway musicals. His first solo album was released in 2004 and contains, in addition to his first songs, some of the songs subsequently played by the band. Performing with the Nick Jonas and the Administration band, he releases in 2010 his second album Who I Am, a title that ranks No. 3 in the United States. Six years later, after several successful singles and a role in the television series Scream Queens, he releases the album, Last Year Was Complicated. Coproduced by Max Martin, Shellback and Mattman & Robin, the album includes two duets with Tove Lo and Chainsaw, as well as collaborations with Ty Dolla $ ign and Big Sean.

USA Thursday, May 18th

Rod Stewart

With a 50 years long career behind him, and two inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Rod Stewart is considered today as one of the greatest names of modern music. The one that James Brown once considered «the most beautiful white voice of the soul,” has laid his gentle voice on over 200 million albums sold worldwide. Released in 2015, Rod Stewart’s twenty-ninth album, Another Country, positions yet again Rod Stewart at the top of the rankings, two years after his album, Time, which topped the UK charts.

UK Sunday, May 20th

Rod StewartUK Sunday, May 20th

ORIENTAL STAGE

NAHDA AreaNo stage better illustrates Mawazine’s passion for Arab music. Entirely dedicated to artists of the region, the Nahda area welcomes the greatest oriental voices and brings several dozen thousands of people together at each concert. In a magical and comfortable setting, the stage offers fans a unique occasion to discover the best of modern and classical repertoires .of the region.

Majid Al Mohandis

Iraqi singer and composer, Majid Al Mohandis, has been present on the musical scene since the 1990’s. The artist had in fact traded his aeronautical engineering diploma for an artistic career. In 1991 he signed with a Jordan-based company for a song titled Mushkilah (a Problem it is!) and recorded four albums before signing with Rotana music production company. His first album as a Rotana artist is titled Waheshny Mut (Missing you to Death). In 2005, Majid Al Mohandis received the “Best Arab Singer” Award. He thereafter released such successful albums as Injanait (I Have Lost my Mind), Anssi (How can I forget) and Udkuriny (Remember me!). All of these successes have propelled the singer to the top charts and bolstered his reputation as Mutrib Al-`Ushaaq (or, the Delightful Singer of the Passionate Lovers) in the Arab world.

IraqSaturday, May 13th

Sami Yusuf UK Friday, May 12th

Nawal El Zoghbi

The Diva of the 1990’s, Lebanese singer Nawal El Zoghbi, has released 14 albums ever since the beginning of her career back in 1988. It was in the program, Studio Al-Fann (or the Arts’s Studio) that she stood out and then moved on to produce her first album, dubbed Wehiaty Endak (By my Life which is entrusted with you). In 1995, a famous Lebanese impresario (agent) gathered together Nawal with singer Wael Kfoury. Together they sang three songs, the most popular of which being Min Habibi Ana (I am (the twin half of) my Beloved). The song caused quite a stir across the Arab world. In 1997, Nawal released her album, titled Habeit ya Leil (I have Loved, O Night!) with an avant-garde video-clip, which has enabled her to enhance her popularity across the Arab world, from the Maghreb to the Persian Gulf.

LibanSunday, May 14th

Born in Teheran, Sami Yusuf is a British author, composer, performer, and poet. Proclaimed to be the most popular Muslim Briton in the whole world, Sami Yusuf’s music consists mainly of songs related to Islam and the fact of being a Muslim in today’s world. He asserts that, through his music, he conveys Islam’s message of love, tolerance, and mercy. In his album Barakah, released in 2016, Sami Yusuf claims to maintain the authenticity of the traditional arts and heritage. With more than 8 albums and 34 million copies sold, Sami Yusuf has revolutionized Anasheed (or, hymn-like songs) by giving birth to a new kind of Islamic music. Sami Yusuf is also known for his charitable deeds. The United Nations’ Organization has appointed him as World Ambassador for Hunger Elimination.

Nawal El Zoghbi LibanSunday, May 14th

Hussein el Deek

Born in 1984 in Syria, Hussein El Deek is a popular singer who grew up in a large artistic family. He started his career as a professional artist in 2000 with the title Nater Bent Al Madrasa (School Girl Nater). He later collaborated with the maestro Talal Da’our to make the song Petit monde a monster record. In 2013, he released another triumph song, Ghir ma bakhtar (That which I choose) written by lyricist Riad Al Ali and composed by Talal Da’our. Hussein Al Deek is considered today as one of the most popular Syrian artists in the Arab world, with over 25 hits, 10 video clips and many more to come.

SyriaMonday, May 15th

Mohamed Al Salem

A native of Baghdad, Al Salem accessed the music world after serving in the Iraqi army for a short time. He actually started his artistic career in 2006 and became famous as a singer in 2011 through his successful title Qalb Qalb, Ahwak ana and also Akhbar al hwy. These songs made him the most sought after artist on Google searches in Saudi Arabia. In 2014, El Salem produced many records, which became hits on YouTube, such as Mazah Masriyah, and Rabeetah. In 2016, he launched the titles Naam Enta and Zak men Zak.

IraqMonday, May 15th

Fares Karam

Born at Jezzine (Lebanon) in 1973, Fares Karam is a “variety-style and Lebanese Dabkah singer. He was spotted on Lebanese TV in 1996 thanks to a program, Studio Al-Fann (or, the Arts’ Studio). Since then he has recorded eight albums. He also performed in prestigious events such as the Fifteenth Faces Concert in 2005, the Carthage Festival in 2009, and Mawazine Festival in 2011. He likewise went on tours in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. In his music, Fares Karam mixes Dabkah (a group dance where dancers, with interlocked hands, stamp out the rhythms and dance) with revisited Lebanese rhythms. His main successful songs: Shefta (I have seen her), At-Tanura (the Skirt), Reitany, or Neswanji (Womanizer) are credited for propagating this Lebanese musical style.

LebanonTuesday, May 16th

Tamer Hosny

As a singer, actor, composer, and film-director, Tamer Hosny –the Prince of Youth-oriented Song—began his musical career as early as adolescence. He released his first album in 2001 and made his first steps in cinema in 2003 with a film Halet Hob (A State of Love). In 2004, his hit Hobb (Love) sold as many as 700,000 copies. In 2007, Tamer launched a 3rd Opus and alternated with such films as Omar and Salma 1 and 2 and Captain Hima. All told, Tamer has released 16 albums. He has also received several distinctions and awards. As far as collaborations are concerned, Tamer took part in the song titled Boukra (or, Tomorrow) which was produced by Quincy Jones and RedOne. He also collaborated with a number of international artists, notably: Pitbull, Akon, Snoop Dogg, and Shaggy.

EgyptThursday, May 18th

Najwa Karam

Nicknamed “the Sun of Arab Song,” Lebanese singer Najwa Karam is one of the most popular artists in the Middle East. She has sold upwards of 60 million records in the world, with each album becoming a best-seller. Najwa Karam recorded her first opus in 1986. Perfectionist in her fiber, she undertook training in a school of music in Beirut and in 1989 she moved on to conquer the Arab scene with such titles as Ya Hbayb (O, Beloved Ones); Ma Bismalak (I Won’t Forgive You); Naghmet El-Hub (Love Tune) and Hazzi Helou (Sweet are my Fortunes). In 1994, Najwa Karam signed a contract with the Rotana Label. Since then, this young lady has earned a large number of awards and recognitions.

LebanonWednesday, May 17th

Asmae Lamnawar

Born in Casablanca, Asmae Lamnawar walked on the stage for the first time in 1995. She started her singing career when she took part in a national television production called, Angham. Asmae Lamnawar tried her hand in a multitude of activities and recorded the soundtracks to several Moroccan films. But it is in Egypt that Asmae made a name for herself. In 2002, the Cairo Opera house opens the way for her. She then releases her first album Wanari. In 2004, she records the duo Ashko Ayaman with the Iraqi singer Kadem Al Saher. Asmae then signs for the Rotana Label and releases in 2008 the album Men hena li bokra (From here to tomorrow). The third opus was released in 2009, with two duets: Al Mahkama (the court) with Kadem Al Saher and Khayna with Rashed Al Majid. In 2010, she releases her fourth opus.

MoroccoFriday, May 19th

Asmae Lamnawar MoroccoFriday, May 19th

Georges Wassouf

Icon of the Arabic song, Georges Wassouf started his career at the age of 6 in the wedding feasts where he sang the classical songs of Oum Kalthoum and Warda. At the age of 12, he was spotted by the producer George Khoury, who made of him a solid name in the world of Arab music. In 1980, he participated in the show Studio El Fan and then composed the album Sol-tan El Hawa, thus achieving an unprecedented success, which earned him the nickname Sultan Attarab. At age 55, and with more than 30 albums to his credit, Georges Wassouf is one of the most prolific singers in the Arab world.

Syria Saturday, May 20th

Hatim Ammor

Born in 1981, Hatim Ammor made his mark with his victory in the 5th edi-tion of Studio 2M. He recorded his first song Wala Marra, in collaboration with the Lebanese musician Marouane Khoury. His first album Gouli is a great success. In 2007, Hatim signed a contract with an Egyptian produc-tion company Alam Al Fan to launch his second opus Chabba. In parallel, he made his first steps as an actor, first in Egypt, then in the Moroccan television series Bent Bladi, in 2009. Hatim also sings the opener of the same series. Following this, several songs have been added to his reper-toire: Daba Daba, Mgharba, Nadani Houdnek, Yemchi Hal, Sahratna Ma-ghribia, Fbali and an album in the pipeline.

Morocco Friday, May 19th

AFRICAN STAGE

BOUREGREGMagical place of the capital, this stage is built upon an esplanade dominating the two shores of the Bouregreg with a breathtaking view on the Oudayas’ Kasbah. It is the essential meeting place for African music lovers.

MHD

MHD, root letters for Mohamed, is a French rapper of Guinean and Senegalese origin. This former member of the Parisian collective 19 Réseaux played rap and especially trap genre, before starting in 2016 a solo project. Inspired by the Nigerian artists Davido and P-Square, he made a debut album; featuring versions of the Afro Trap hit single, a hybrid of rap and dance

Guinea/Senegal/FranceSaturday, May 13th

Panache Culture Belgium /MoroccoFriday, May 12th

Amadou et Mariam

Long known as the blind couple of Mali, Amadou and Mariam have been performing together for nearly thirty years. After establishing a reputation in Africa, the duo finally broke onto the international music scene in two stages, first with the hit single «Mon amour, ma chérie» in 1998. They then confirmed their new star status in 2004 with the album «Dimanche à Bamako», produced by Manu Chao. Amadou & Mariam’s adventure continues with more successes with two new albums promoting citizens’ most cherished and deeply held values: solidarity, love and tolerance.

MaliSunday, May 14th

Panache Culture is a blend of several musical styles, associating reggae pure juice to oriental influences and North African sounds. With a musical composition rich in energy and cravings to revolt, the band’s everyday life topics, take us on journeys full of surprising and innovative musical worlds. A new dimension of the roots-rock-reggae nexus.

Ibibio Sound Machine

Ibibio Sound Machine is an Afro-London collective that heats the bins with fusional cocktails beautifully mixing highlife and electro, post-punk and disco styles. Discovered three years ago, the band has since then impressed music fans with its outstanding pieces, mixing futuristic funk with synths and above all the powerful voice of the Anglo-Nigerian Eno Williams. The Pot Is On Fire, the first groovy soundtrack of Uyai’s latest album, combines punch synths, and percussions, blurring the frontiers of music styles, allowing Ibibio Sound Machine music to travel freely in time and space.

UKTuesday, May 16th

Bonga

A prominent figure of Angolan music, Bonga worked side by side with world stars and gave the notion of Africanism the meaning it deserves. From Luanda to Rotterdam, from Paris to Lisbon, and everywhere else, Bonga is one of those African singers who have always hailed their roots. Immediately identifiable, with his rough and powerful voice, Bonga captures his listener from one end to the other in each of his albums. From his first album, Angola 74, famous for its legendary version of Sodade later popularized by Cesaria Evora to his last album, Recados de Fora, released in 2016.

AngolaMonday, May 15th

Baloji

As a committed and dandy rapper, Baloji cultivates a mixed style and often collaborates with the most prominent artists. Poet, composer-songwriter, screenwriter, comedian, performer, videographer and stylist, this young man with multiple talents, was born in Congo then left for Belgium at the age of four. To his credit are two major albums (Impala) released in 2008 and (Kinshasa Succursale) in 2011. In terms of style, he is at a crossroads of influences between traditional and Afro-American music (soul, funk, jazz), discovered through the culture of sampling and electronics.

Congo/BelgiumWednesday May 17th

Baloji Congo/BelgiumWednesday May 17th

Calypso Rose

Carnival music that recalls the beaches of the West Indies and the colors of Tobago ... This is the essence of Calypso, with its iconic McCartha Linda Sandy Lewis, alias Calypso Rose. Since the 1970s, Success after success solo or in duo with other artists (most recently with Manu Chao), the great lady has traveled the world for over forty years, shining with her energy and a velvet voice that earned her the undisputed title of Queen of Calypso

Trinidad & TobagoFriday, May 19th

Pat Thomas & Kwashibu Area Band GhanaThursday, May 18th

Alpha Blondy

Alpha Blondy’s style stands out from all as unique: African style reggae interpreted in French, English and local dialects, committed and texts advocating freedom, unity and love ... Since his debut in the 1980s with the Pan-African hit Brigadier Sabari, the Ivorian singer has continuously enchanted his fans with outstanding albums such as the mythical record Jerusalem, and personal compositions that depict Africa and the world through the eyes of a free man, a committed man.

Ivory CoastSaturday, May 20th

With his unique and smooth voice and songs drawn from the fanti and ashanti twi dialects, Pat Thomas is unquestionably today one of the greatest voices in Ghana. Born in 1951, Pat THomas has collaborated on repeated occasions with Ebo Taylor. Today, this highlife legend performs alongside the Kwashibu band, a group of young musicians blending funky guitars, incisive brass and very roots songs. It is considered today the most interesting Afrobeat band worldwide!

MOROCCAN STAGE

SALE BEACHBuilt on the beach, this stage is located on the other side of the Bouregreg. It is made to host the big names of national music. The audience has an appointment with valuable assets of the national music heritage, it can discover and rediscover, on stage with the same joy. During 9 days, the Kingdom’s greatest talents will offer the public music at the crossroads of.gnaoua, châabi, rock, reggae, fusion, Amazigh, rap and hip hop.

Fatima Zohra Laâroussi

Singer, comedian, and advertising star, Fatima Laaroussi, also known as Zahrat At-Tarrab (The Flower of Tarab or, Delightful Song), has performed the works of the greatest Arab and Western singers since her tender age. She has also performed the more traditional Andalusian music. With more than five albums already released, Fatima Zohra Laaroussi is today one of the most important figures on the Moroccan artistic scene. She has brilliantly represented Morocco in events organized in several Arab and European countries, which has earned her several distinctions and tributes.


Abderrahim Souiri Latifa Raafat

This artist, whose full name is Abderrahim Ait Chellah Souri, is a specialist in Melhoun (poetry) and Madih (panegyric poems/songs). He is considered as one of the best performers of such classic songs as Chems El-`Ashia (O Late afternoon Sun!), La Ilah Illa Lah (there is no other deity but Allah), Amoulati A Lalla (My Lady, my revered Woman), or Ana Many Fiash (I am Just a Humble Being). Known for his mastery of Arab-Andalusian music, Souiri still strives to modernize and make this musical genre popular. As a multi-skilled singer, Souiri performed in several prestigious venues such as the Paris-based Opera Garnier, the Cairo Opera, Georgetown University in Washington DC, and Harvard University in Boston.

Born in 1965 in Kenitra, the Moroccan Diva, Latifa Raafat, came to the fore in the early 80’s. In 1982, she recorded her first song, Mawwal Al-Hob (A Love Song in colloquial language). In 1985, she won the Moroccan Song Prize, with the great single, Khouyi (Little Brother). As an emblematic figure in Moroccan song, Latifa Raafat has one of the most enchanting discographies, with such titles as Maghyara (Envious Am I), Dunia (O World), Al-Hamdu Li-Lah (Praise be to Allah), Ya Hli Ya `Ashrani (O my Folk, O my Kin), and Ana fi Arak Ya Yamma (Shield me against Disgrace, O Mother). Thanks to her songs, Arab countries have discovered and appreciated Moroccan dialect.



Tahour

Born in Marrakech, Tahour is one of the most popular Moroccan singers of Chaabi (Grass root) music. He attended school in the ocher city, and then went on to study music at the National Institute of Music in Marrakech. This training enabled him to rub shoulders with masters of Moroccan folk music with whom he collaborated in several events and concerts. Tahour has earned a certain reputation in Morocco as well as in other European countries. His concerts and evenings were released in more than 15 albums.


Orchestre Regragui

Born in Casablanca, Mustapha Regragui is a pianist, violinist and professor of music and musical composition at the Conservatoire of the Royal Guard. He also teaches at the National Conservatory of Music and Dance in Rabat. His orchestra will accompany several great names of Moroccan music, in Morocco and abroad.


Rabah Mariwari

More of a traditional «varieté-style» singer and reggada, Rabah drew attention to his style in 1996 on the national television in the show Studio El Fan. Since then, he has recorded eight albums and has performed in prestigious events in Morocco and Europe. Rabah revisits the reggada with different Moroccan sounds. The titles El-Tanoura, or Rachida, have greatly contributed to popularize his melodious music.

MoroccoSaturday, May 13th

Mustapha Oumghil Fatima Tabaamrant

Mustapha Oumghil is an Amazigh singer and native of the majestic Atlas Mountains. He originates from the same region as the late singer Rouicha. Having been on the Moroccan musical scene for more than twenty years, Oumghil has given several concerts and taken part in festivals both in Morocco and abroad. Mustapha Oumghil has released several albums and singles which have been warmly greeted by the public. His notable songs include the following titles: Wa Zin Awa (O Beauty, Behold), Zmani Gheddar (Treacherous is the Present Time), Lkha Oubridench, Ida Zman, Nhmed Sidi Rabbi (Praise to me Guardian-Lord), and Asawir. Today, Oumghil is viewed as one of the magnates of Amazigh song.

A genuine school of Amazigh song and with more than 160 poems to her credit, Raissa Fatima Tabaamrant has broken many taboos for the purpose of defending Amazigh identity. Raissa Fatima Tabaamrant was born in Id Salm, an Idauchqra tribe in Ifrane. As she worked the land in her native locality, Fatima Tabaamrant took to versified and sung speech, as well as to village collective dances. She thereafter received training and instruction from great masters, including Raiss (Chief or Leader of the band) Moulay Mohammed Belfqih, who actually helped Fatima produce her first album in 1985.



Hamid Bouchnak

Born in Oujda, Hamid Bouchnak comes from a family of artists. His father, Benyounes, is a renowned musician in the Arab-Andalusian musical world. Considered as one of today’s greatest Moroccan artists, Hamid Bouchnak is talented not only in song but also in musical composition. He was also one of the pillars of the band which he constituted along with the four Bouchnak brothers. For more than 10 years, the Bouchnak Brothers achieved one success after another before they parted ways in 1992. Hamid launched a solo career during which he released more than 11 successful albums. While being rich in Moroccan sounds and tunes, Bouchnak’s career still is open to world’s musical traditions.

MoroccoSunday, May 14th

Cheba Maria Morocco Sunday, May 14th

Cheb Kader

Of Moroccan origin, Cheb Kader, whose real name is Kouider Morabet, was born in Algeria in 1967. He is one of the artists credited with popularizing Rai music (literally, Opinion, but figuratively a new popular genre which combines meaningful words with music) in France. Helped by his father (a flutist), Kader took music class and learned how to play the guitar. Having settled in France, he met with producer, Michel Levy, in 1985. His first eponymous record was launched in 1988. The singer started a world tour and released a second opus, Generation Rai (Rai Generation) three years later. In 2011, Cheb Kader released another album titled Majiti (You Never Showed Up!), which signaled his comeback after an eight-year long absence.

MoroccoSunday, May 14th

Cheba Maria, a Rai singer, is a native of Casablanca and a resident of Toulouse. She has quickly carved a place for herself in the artistic milieu. Cheba Maria has produced a number of successful titles and made her appearance beside several Rai artists on a number of occasions. Her duo with Cheb Rachid, Enta Ould Bladi (You’re my Countryman) was sold in several thousand copies in different countries. In 2003, she contributed to the album Rain’b Fever, where she sang in duo with Mohamed Lamine and Rohff. More than 250,000 copies of the Opus were sold and the artist received the first Golden Record from Sony Music Company.

Cheb Kader MoroccoSunday, May 14th

Mustapha Bakbou

Born in Marrakech, Mustapha Bakbou grew up in a Gnaouia Zaouia, where his father, M`aalem (Master) El-Ayachi Bakbou, initiated him to the art of Tagnaouite. Mustapha B0akbou was a member of the Jil Jilala band and participated to the folk musical movement of the 1970’s. In the various festivals he took part in, he, again and again, proved his ever-renewed talent, his will to bring the Gnawa art to the fore—acquainting people with its most traditional dimensions—and his capacity to blend this tradition with all musical genres. M`aalem Mustapha Bakbou has performed on a number of scenes in America, China, and Europe.

MoroccoMonday, May 15th

Mehdi Nassouli

Highly gifted, Mehdi Nassouli is considered to be the successor of the Gnaouie tradition in Morocco. Mehdi proudly bears his Amazigh, Gnaoui, Arab and African roots. Born in Taroudant, he went through the school of the «Deqqa», a folk art from Taroudant, and then learned from the greatest gnaoua Maâlems. His project A Tribute to Taroudant is performed both in Morocco and abroad. The artist travels the continents collaborating with big names such as Justin Adams, Nneka, Andy Emler, Sami Waro or Alpha Blondy. In 2016, Mehdi Nassouli signed the album Taziri, featuring with the famous Titi Robin.


Hamid El Kasri

Born in Ksar El-Kebir, Hamid El-Kasri is known for his exceptional voice and rare charisma. His voice make of him one of the most appreciated and solicited Maalems (Gnawa Masters). As of the age of 7, he has been trained by Maalem Alouane and Maalem Stitou. Highly solicited both in Morocco and abroad, Hamid El-Kasri performs regularly with American and European artists. His talent enables him to conciliate the Gnawa rhythms of the North and the South of Morocco.


Five Stars

A Moroccan popular music band, the Five Stars was set up in 1997 by five musicians, namely: Youssef Louzini (vocalist); Tarek Berredad (singer and guitarist); Mohamed El Guennaoui (drummer); Youness El-Guennaoui (percussions) and Mohamed Ettoumi (violinist). Since 2003, the band has released more than nine albums, including Wash Semak Allah (What Name Have you been assigned by Allah?); Ash Tssalouni (Do I owe you Anything?) Ta Rah Lil (Don’t you realize it is Night?) Zid Alfayn `la Alfayn (Put a Bill atop another 100 Bill). Known for their frequent appearances on televised evenings, the Shaabi music produced by the group is highly successful with the larger Moroccan public.

MoroccoTuesday, May 16th

Hamid SerghiniMorocco Tuesday, May 16th

Zina Daoudia

Daoudia is one of the major stars of Moroccan Shaabi (popular) music and one of the rarest women to sing “Aita” (a genre of Arab popular music). Together with her violin, Daoudia meets with one success after another and her name has travelled well beyond the country’s borders. Her repertoire is rich, having been enhanced by many years of performance. Daoudia impresses everyone while she is on stage, thanks to genuine lyrics and captivating rhythms. The artist has recently released several titles which have created a buzz, including `Teeny Saki (Give me my Handbag!) and Rendez-Vous, her very latest collaboration with DJ Van.

Morocco Tuesday, May 16th

A native of Kal`aat Sraghna, Hamid Serghini is a popular singer and a humorist. He collects the most famous portion of Shaabi (Popular music) and “revisits” them in his own way. By singing in Amazigh and Darija (Local Moroccan dialect), he is an essential artist to the Shaabi scene, both nationally and internationally.

Zina Daoudia Morocco Tuesday, May 16th

Rachida Talal

Rachida Talal is a singer from the South of Morocco—the first woman to have “shattered” the ban on women’s singing (in public) in that region. Rachida has won a number of national and Arab awards. She has actually performed on a number of prestigious scenes such as the Cosmopolitan in Norway, the Capitol in France, and the Palais des Nations in Switzerland. As an Ambassador of Hope among the Moroccan expatriate community across the world, this artist sings about such themes as Morocco, love, and peace and contributes fully to the radiance of Hassani Chant.

MoroccoWednesday, May 17th

Batoul EL Merouani

Batoul EL Merouani represents the melodious airs coming straight from the South. This native of Layoune has revolutionized Hassani Chant (a music and chant genre that developed in the deep South) formerly exclusively performed by men. Encouraged by her father, an artist well known in the South of Morocco, Batoul has insufflated new dynamism into this art in order to make it known in all of the Kingdom’s Regions. She has managed to modernize an ancient repertoire without denaturing them. This has earned her wide recognition on the part of major Moroccan artistic events.


Saida Charaf Orchestre Cherkani

The talent and the voice of this Sahraoui Diva leave nobody unimpressed. A native of Layoune, Saida Charaf started her career as a journalist for the Spanish TV. She came to the fore thanks to Assahrato Lakoum (the Sahara is Yours!) on 2M TV Channel. Since then participated in a succession of festivals and events in Morocco, Libya, Jordan, and Egypt. She even went on stage with such hugely renowned artists as Jean Michel Jarre. Said excels not only in the Sahraoui repertoire but also in Amazigh song, traditional music, and Moroccan popular song.

Outstanding violinist, Ahmed Cherkani is a singing teacher, tenor, arranger and composer. He has a long artistic training, enriched by various collaborations with great Moroccan singers. His quality of researcher allows him to master different Moroccan musical styles. In 2015, Cherkani composed an album of instrumental music for a genuine invitation to travel.



Don Bigg

Born in Casablanca, Don Bigg (Taoufik Hazeb) is considered to be one of the pioneers of Moroccan rap, with his candid style and his songs which address the main concerns of Moroccan youth. At the age of 20, Bigg decided to put his law studies on “stand-by,” so to speak, and to devote himself to his passion. He started his career with the Mafia C band before opting for a solo career and releasing his first album, Mgharba `Tal Mout (Truly Moroccans to Death) which was had phenomenal success. The second album, titled Byad ou Khal (White or Black) was released. Bigg also engaged in various international featuring and collaborations. In parallel to this, Don Bigg performed in various festivals, went on tour across Morocco, and exported Moroccan rap to Europe and the Middle East.

Morocco Thursday, May 18th

Masta FlowMorocco Thursday, May 18th

La Fouine

Laouni, alias La Fouine, is a Franco-Moroccan rapper who was born in Trappes in 1981. Drawn more to music than to studies, he quit school at the age of 14. In 2003, he signed up with Sony. He was also employed as a mediator in sensible districts in Trappes. La Fouine released his first album, titled Bourré de Son (Crammed up with Sounds) in 2004, and then a second one, titled Aller retour (Round Trip), three months later. Success came in 2009 with the Opus, Mes Repères (My Landmarks), which was consecrated double Golden Record. La Fouine also regularly released mix-tapes: Planète Trappe 1 et 2 (Planet Trappes 1 and 2); Capitale du Crime 1 et 2 (Crime Capital 1 and 2). This enabled him to multiply collaborations and artists discovery, through his label, Banlieue Sale (or, Dirty Suburb).

Morocco Thursday, May 18th

Masta Flow (Mohamed El-Malki) is a Casablancan rapper with a formidable rime and a cutting flow. Growing up in the (popular) district of Hay Mohammadi, he discovered theatre and music thanks to a local district association. Hip Hop commanded his attention and before long he constituted a band which won the “the Best Hip-Hop Band” at Tremplin des Jeunes Musiciens (Young Musicians’ Springboard) in 2002. One year later, Casa Crew was formed, a band wherewith he wrote the successful hit Men Zanqa l Zanqa (From Alley to Alley) (2004). After years of concerts and 2 albums, Masta Flow launched his solo career. He arranged numerous featuring and released many successful titles.

La Fouine Morocco Thursday, May 18th

Farid Ghannam

Born in Agadir, Farid Ghannam grew up in an artistic ambience—his mother being a pianist and his father a drummer. When he himself evolved into a confirmed musician in the Gnaoui genre, he became particularly fond of the Guembri and also developed an interest in a strings instrument, namely, the bass guitar. He also performed with several Moroccan bands, notably Mayara Band. In 2012, the career of Farid Ghannam took another turn with his participation in the first Lebanese Edition of the Voice. He joined the team coached by Sherine Abdelwahab and evolved. Nicknamed Farouala, he managed to reach the final stages of the competition and managed to attract millions of views on Youtube.


Ribab Fusion

Created in 2008 in Agadir, Ribab Fusion was born out of a dream to put the Ribab musical instrument to the forefront of the Moroccan musical scene and to take it beyond borders for the purpose of spreading Amazigh music even more widely. Ribab Fusion is a tribute paid to tenderness, a mythical journey to the inexhaustible sources of Amazigh culture, as well as a hymn blending traditional Souss (a Southern Region) chants and its village music. Rihab Fusion have built an original musical identity, while establishing a mind set and a style that are resolutely modern and open to world music.


Issam Kamal

Born in 1983 in Azilal, Issam Kamal, a singer, actor, and composer, is also known as the former leader of Mazagan Band. In the past, Issam produced such successful titles as Dounia (Worldly Life), Fabor (Free of Charge), Zina (Cute One), A Labess Labess (No Hardship), Groovawahia, Ayli Ayli –the latter having been sung in duo with the Danish Band, Outlandish—and Dima Labess (Always Ok, no Worries), in collaboration with RedOne and Khaled. Issam shows a keen interest in the modernization of popular music and Moroccan culture. He is often invited by the media, associations, schools, and universities in order to spur young people to re-appropriate their culture and strive after its development.


Mustapha Bourgogne

Singer, Mustapha Bourgogne, whose real name is Mustapha Smairkandi, was born in Casablanca. He began his career in the 1980’s. In that epoch, he was a member of the band, Noujoum Bourgogne (Bourgogne District Stars). In 1990, he opted for a solo career. Singer, as well as author and composer, Mustapha writes the lyrics of his songs and plays the violin. Today, Mustapha Bourgogne stands out as one of the most popular Moroccan artists.


Daoudi Moughit

Born in Casablanca, Daoudi is a singer and composer who accessed the world of traditional popular Moroccan music quite early. He learnt how to play several musical instruments and mastered the violin. The first album he released is titled Aya Daoudia, which actually propelled him into a great artistic career. The public always accords him a warm reception and the media acknowledge his standing as a great artist. Having produced more than 100 albums to date and accumulated a multitude of concerts held in Morocco and abroad, Daoudi is indeed a worthy representative of the Moroccan popular song—which is widely acclaimed by the masses.

Moughit, whose real name is Abdelmoughit Saaydi, was born in the old Medina of Casablanca. He is a star of the Moroccan Shaabi (popular) song and an expert in Ayta Mersaouiya (a genre of popular Arab song). Having first worked as a bank clerk, he left his banking job in 1978 and opted for what proved to be a successful musical career. Since then, Moughit has given many concerts and animated a great many evenings and grand marriage parties, both in Morocco and abroad. Besides song, Abdelmoughit is also gifted in the art of Taneghaft (bride-dressing, make-up, and care), a job that is ordinarily reserved for women. But for Abdelmoughit, it is a passionate pursuit which he has exercised ably since the 1980’s.



DISCOVERY STAGE MOHAMMED V NATIONAL THEATRE Rarely has a place welcomed as many mythical concerts. Symbol of Rabat’s cultural life, the Mohammed V National Theatre has witnessed unique moments in the history of Mawazine. Its unique decor, intimate atmosphere and beautiful sounds it resonates make this stage a favorite for Moroccan stars and international celebrities passing through the capital.

Badr Rami

Born in Casablanca, Badr Rami is an artist of Syrian origin. His father is the famous violinist, Mohamed Rami Zeitouni, from Aleppo, a town renowned for its unique passion for the art of Tarab. A disciple of the great school of Sabah Fakhri, a figurehead of Arabic song and Tarab in particular, Badr is a rising star of the Mouwachahates and Koudouds Halabiya (Aleppo songs). For years, he has been committed to the preservation and interpretation of the most representative songs of Arab heritage in a unique and original way.

SyriaSaturday, May 13th

Charles Aznavour France/Armenia Friday, May 12th & Tuesday, May 16th

Elefhteria Arvanitaki

Born in Piraeus, Eleftheria Arvanitaki is to many an iconic Greek musician. She began her career in the 1980s by interpreting the great tradition of popular songs with the Opisthodromiki Kompania band, with which she began her career. Quickly, her deep and delicate timbre and rich musicality, at once sensual and light, her tender and deep expressiveness, softness and finesse make her a reference in Hellenic poetry and song, which she mixes with the influences of jazz and variety. In August 2004, she participates in the closing ceremony of the Athens Olympics. Eleftheria has worked with great artists such as Javier Limón and Buika, Cesaria Evora and Dulce Pontes and Philip Glass.

GreeceSunday May 14th

Boasting over 100 million records sold, 1,200 songs, 80 feature films, 294 albums, hundreds of gold, platinum and diamond records, and thousands of concerts in 94 countries around the world, Charles Aznavour is indisputably a living legend of French music with a career spanning 70 years. Coined by CNN as the «Entertainer of the Century» in 1988, Charles Aznavour has made a lasting, unforgettable impression on his millions of fans with his greatest hits. Charles Aznavour has sung and recorded in seven languages and his songs have been covered by many artists. Aznavour celebrated his 92nd birthday on May 22nd , 2016.

Elefhteria ArvanitakiGreeceSunday May 14th

Anoushka Shankar

The Shankar name is synonymous with Indian Classical Music and with the sitar. Trailblazing, as her legendary father Ravi Shankar did, Anoushka Shankar continues to push the limits of her instrument, not only in the traditional Indian Classical form, but also by breaking boundaries and working with new sounds and art forms. This has earned Anoushka no fewer than five Grammy® nominations. Following the success of her 2013 album, Traces of You, Anoushka Shankar returns with an innovative, cutting-edge programme addressing themes of movement, asylum, refugees; a topic that deeply inspired the creative process whilst composing the music for Land of Gold.

Anoushka Shankar – sitarManu Delago – hang & electronic drumsSanjeev Shankar – shehnaiTom Farmer – double bass & keyboards

India Monday, May 15th

Susana Baca

As she was born near Lima in the black district of Chorillos, Susana Baca found herself at an early age at the crossroads of several cultures: the Andes, Africa and Spain. The combination of these influences has irremediably influenced her music, which mixes Spanish guitar, African rhythms and Andean instruments. Recognized in her country and around the world, Susana Baca has been singing and testifying for nearly 40 years to the importance of the popular culture of black peoples in South America. In 2011, her commitment enabled him to become the Minister of Culture of Peru.

PeruWednesday, May 17th

Rafael Amargo Flamenco Dance Company

Dancer and choreographer, Rafael Amargo is famous for bringing together flamenco and the most avant-garde trends, such as those taught in Martha Graham’s school during his stay in New York. Born in Pinos Puente (Granada) in 1975, as Jesús Rafael García Hernández, Rafael Amargo, takes his artist name from Frederico Garcia Lorca’s poem “Romance Del Amargo. Soloist in different dance comapnies, he won critical acclaim with his first show Amargo in 2000. He was rewarded two years later for his greatest success, Poeta in Nueva York, named best show of the decade. Rafael Amargo participated in 2008 as jury and professor of body expression in Season 8 of Star Academy. He also played his own role in some episodes of the Spanish series Un, dos, tres.

SpainFriday, May 19th

Lotfi Bouchnak TunisiaThursday, May 18th

Jahida Wehbe

Jahida Wehbe excels in poetry, the theater or music alike. Born in 1969 in Lebanon, she learned Oriental, Syriac and Lyrical songs as well as playing the Oud at the Lebanese National Conservatory of Music where she also studied Sufi songs, avant garde music, recitation of the Holy Quran, and the composition of musical and poetic plays for the theater. Her participation with leading theater directors in Lebanon and with the great actress Nidal al Achkar make her popular in Lebanon where she is recognized for the exceptional quality of her voice and the rigor with which she chooses her repertoire.

Lebanon Saturday, May 20th

Born in Tunis, Lotfi Bouchnak is a Tunisian singer and composer. From an early age, he became interested in music and picked up the songs of Oum Kalthoum and the masters of the Egyptian song. He later joined the Tunisian Musical Youth (La Jeunesse Musicale Tunisienne) and then La Rachidia as first soloist. His sensitivity and his love for traditional Tunisian and eastern music have made him an outstanding singer whose vocal and technical possibilities enabled him to reach new heights of perfection. Lotfi is a UN Peace Ambassador.

Jahida Wehbe Lebanon Saturday, May 20th

WORLD MUSIC STAGE CHELLAH HISTORIQUE SITE Listed UNESCO world heritage site, the Chellah is a reflection of Mawazine, a festival oriented towards the future never ceasing to pay tribute to the most beautiful musical traditions on the planet. It is in this poetic place, conducive to dream and escape, that the Chellah site welcomes the greatest performers for the occasion of unforgettable concerts during which the public can discover, sometimes ancestral, repertoires having lost none of their force, audacity and mystery.

Justin Vali

Justin Vali (pen name of Rakotondrasoa) is a virtuoso of the valiha. Made of bamboo, an icon of the Great Island, Valiha is a tubular sitar. Its sound resounds like a mixture of harp, kora and harpsichord. Like an ambassador of Malagasy music, Justin has practically performed on every stage in the world as well as alongside great artists, such as Peter Gabriel. As a prolific artist, he has released new albums and played in collaboration with many other artists like the singer Kate Bush and the Basque accordion player, Kepa Junkera. For this exceptional concert, Justin Vali invited five masters of Madagascar music style. Among those accompanying him will be Régis Gizavo, the master of the Malagasy accordion. Justin Vali is the 2006 recipient of the prestigious Sacem Grand Prix for traditional music. Justin Vali: valiha, kabossy, marovany, singing…Talike: Chant.Régis Gizavo: accordion, singing.Doudou: guitar.Valian: percussions.

Island of MadagascarSunday, May 14th

Vakia Stravrou

In Cyprus, Greek culture gave it one of its most beautiful names, Alasia, a name in close link with the sea as per the etymologists. For the poet, it is a land «embraced by the sea».In his latest album, Vakia Stavrou places his «Alasia» at the center of the world, in the middle of a Mediterranean of sense and sensibility. It would be an understatement to speak just of his pure voice, his radiant inspiration, the spells of a sensitivity expressed in several languages.

«A clear and lifting voice from Cyprus, sailing, with just the strings of his guitar ... Epitomy of a luso-Hispanic Mediterranean song, scented with Brazilian and Argentinean scents. « (Anne Berthod, Télérama)

Vakia Stavrou: composition, vocals, and guitarBernardo Carlos: guitar, arrangement.Guillaume Robert: double bass.Abraham Mansferol: percussions.Octavio Angarita: cello.

Cyprus Saturday, May 13th

Trio Chicuelo & Marco Mezquida

This evening will witness the joining together of two great artistic celebrities equally distinct and ductile. A mixture marked by authenticity, mutual admiration and complete devotion to music. Marco Mezquida is an accomplished, legendary musician. Creator of a unique pianistic touch, Marco Mezquida finds his inspiration in diversity. Since his appearance on the European stages, he has never failed in surprising his audience. Juan Gómez «Chicuelo» one of the most sought-after guitarists of flamenco. He is one of the most prolific and original composers of recent generations. He has performed alongside numerous singers: Enrique Morente, Miguel Poveda, Duquende, Mayte Martín, Rancapino, Chano Lobato, José Mercé, El Cigala, Potito, Carmen Linares ... He has also shared the stage with musicians such as Chano Domínguez, Carles Benavent, Jorge Pardo, Jordi Bonell. He has collaborated with the pianist Maria João Pires. Marco Mezquida: piano.Juan Gómez “Chicuelo”: flamenco guitar.Paco De Mode: Percussions

Balearic Islands / SpainTuesday, May 16th

Maqâm Roads

This evening, theTurkish singer Aburrahman Tarikci and the Tunisian violinist Zied Zouari will give us an initiation into the different universes of the Maqâm via their peroframce entitled, «Maqâm Roads». Thus, making of Marmamra Island a forum for cross-fertilization of musical cultures: Tba ‘of Tunisia, Raga of India, Gnawa of Morocco. Originating from the Turkish islands, maqâm genre runs as a common thread enabling dialogue between different musical traditions while all converging on the Marmara Island. The Armenian drummer Julien Tekeyan will accompany the two artists.This trio recounts the relics of an ancestral song through contemporary rhythms. It is an unusual story constantly renewed through the journey.

Aburrahman Tarikci: singing, bass, saz.Zied Zouari: violon, altoJulien Tekeyan: drums

Marmara Island Monday, May 15th

Stella Gonis

She is a singer, a dancer, and a tanbouyé ..., of Martinique traditional music, known as Du Bèlè. Stella grew up listening to the ancestral rhythms of her Samaritan countryside, Mornes des Esses. Yet her career began with Le Morne des Esses Choir, then soloist, singing lyrical and classical repertoires. In her ongoing search for perfection, Stella will enroll as a full-time student at the Institute for Training in Performing Arts. There she wil stay for five years taking on Valérie Louri, Vaïty, Vwa Bel Danm and others who before her had followed the same training. At l’Institut de Formation aux Arts du spectacle, she will be confronted with artistic crosscutting: music, Dance, theater. Having acquired such a high level of artistic training, she will start a professional career.Endowed with a rich and powerful voice she will be solicited by the Vwa Bel Danm band with which she will travel the Caribbean islands and France. She will also be seen with Le Béloka, Tambou Bô Kannal, Ballet Pomme Kannel, Racinn Nwel and Éric Virgal. In parallel to her professional life, she teaches music and traditional dances at the Maison du Bèlè in Martinique. Stella Gonis: voice, tambour bèlè.

Ivy Jalta : choirs.Jade Vinceslas: choirs, guitare.Casimir Jean-Baptiste: tambour bèlè.Jimmy Thomasi: percussions.

Martinique / FranceThursday, May 18th

Agathe Iracema (The Brazilian Music Band)

Born in Paris, Agathe Iracema discovers jazz at a very early age through tap dancing and her Brazilian bass player father. At the age of 14, she is mentored and chosen by the American singer, Sheila Jordan. Further to this meeting, she makes her first recording and right after starts her Quartet. In her latest project «Feeling Alive», one can appreciate prominent artists like the trumpeter Nicolas Folmer and the trombonist Fred Wesley. This album combines her love for Jazz and for Brazilian music. With her reflective singing style, she swings between Billie Holiday’s in terms of interiority and Tania Maria’s joyful energy and sense of rhythm. On stage, she can enchant her audience by her vocal qualitie and sublime voice, and impress by her radiant presence.His repertory ranges from bossa nova precursors to contemporary rhythms through her father’s compositions that grew up listening to as a kid: a magnificent journey into the heart of her Brazilian roots.

Agathe Iracema: voice.Adriano Tenorio “DD”: percussions.Pierre-Alain Tocanier: drums.Julien Lalier: piano, music keyboard.Rubens Santana: bass.

Ilha Grande / Brazil Wednesday, May 17th

Elida Almeida

Once again, Cape Verde invites us to enjoy an original voice. At the age of 23, Elida Almeida wards off te fate of a difficult childhood the day she released a bright new album bathed in folk melodies, tinged with the rhythms of the island of Santiago: batuque, funana and morna, assisted by the delicate arrangements of the guitar player, Hernani Almeida. Her first album, «Ora doci Ora Margos» («Mild Moments, Bitter Moments»), responds to the aspirations and dreams of Cape Verdean youth who want to emerge from their isolation and appropriate the world. We are far from the world of Cesaria Evora. Yet the same enchantment operates, borne by the sincerity of the voice and the immediacy of the young singer.

There is blues and joy in her beautiful sweet voice capable of rejoicing its audience. One yields to her sparkling sensuality, to the charm of a promising youth.» (Anne Berthod, Télérama) Elida Almeida: voice.Hermani Almaida: guitar.Diego Neves: music keyboard.Nelida Da Cruz: bass.Magik Santiago: drums.

Cape Verde IslandSaturday, May 20th

Saodaj’

Originating from la Reunion, these Creole artists are icons of the new generation who has taken up the torch of the hot maloya music. Thanks to their crystalline voices and their impetuous triple-beat music rhythm, they have managed to mark world music. The young quintet finds its sources in Southern, West African and European influences. Though resolutely open to hybridizations, they remain attached their history as illustrated by the maturity of their acoustic fusion.

Led by the charismatic singer Marie Lanfroy, this nomadic maloya is more than a musical promise. Through her dazzling vocal trances, Saodaj’ invigorates a genre with ecstatic virtues. «An audacious and original band, which musically magnify the cultural richness of la Reunion with lyrics that are contemporary and open to the world.” (Le Mauricien). The band is Winner of the voices of the Indian Ocean, category « 2015 best music band of the world «. Marie Lanfroy: singing, percussions.Jonathan Itéma: singing, Percussions.Mélanie Bourire: choirs, percussions.Frédérick Cipriano: choirs, percussions.Anthony Séry: choirs, percussions.

Reunion Island Friday, May 19th

Street showsFROM SAtURDAy, MAy 13tH tO tUESDAy, MAy 16tH FROM WEDNESDAy, MAy 17tH tO SAtURDAy, MAy 20tH

Bakho Atika BandMoroccoBakhou Atika has been considered as one of the most popular bands in Morocco ever since 1998. The band, which consists of 8 musicians, performs in the country and also abroad on the occasion of several cultural events that are especially dedicated to Morocco. The performance is rich and varied consisting of good humor, dancing, and Daqqa El-Marrakchia (dance and song to the vibrant Marrakech beat and rhythm)—enough to delight the Mawazine public and to enliven the main streets of the City of Rabat.

Les Tambours du Maroc (Morocco’s Drums) Morocco Les Tambours du Maroc is a percussions band set up in 2009. The band is made up of 15 young artists who are keen on music. The main asset of Tambours du Maroc is their creativity. To produce highly varied and very powerful rhythms, instruments are especially created by the members of the band who recycle sundry elements and tools commonly utilized in our daily life. The band derives its inspiration from various World music traditions and invites the public to make a journey in time and space. All of the band’s performances are, in fact, exceptional shows combining striking rhythms and choreographies.

Oussama Band MoroccoThe circus group Oussama Band ensures the promotion of circus arts through the supervision and training of young talents and artists. The group aims to create a space for exchange, communication and creation through the art of the circus, while participating in the integration of young people into social life.

Casa Fiesta Band Morocco Set up in Casablanca, the Casa Fiesta Band gathers together a team of young percussionists and a group of dancers, who fashion their repertoire on the basis of a rich blend of music traditions so as to propose to the public rhythms drawn from Senegal, Egypt, and Morocco (Gnawa, Chaabi, and Reggada). In their chant, which is combined with the Capoeira –a martial art created by African slaves in Brazil—Casa Fiesta proposes a playful and acrobatic show.

iNtERNAtiONAL StAGE

OLM

Ellie Goulding Wiz khalifa Chic featuring Nile Rodgers

Ms. Lauryn Hill Booba DJ Snake Nick Jonas Rod StewartDemi Lovato

Uk USA USA USA France USA UkUSA

Charles Aznavour

Badr Rami Elefhteria Arvanitaki

Anoushka Shankar

Charles Aznavour

Susana Baca Lotfi BouchnakRafeal Amargo

Flamenco Dance Company

Panache Culture MHD Amadou

et Mariam Bonga ibibio Sound Machine Baloji

Pat thomas et kwashibu Area

BandCalypso Rose

Fatim zahra Laroussi Latifa Raafat

Abderrahim Souiri & tahour

Orchestre Regragui

Rabah MariwariFatima tabaamrantMustapha Oumghil

Cheba Maria Hamid Bouchnak

Cheb kader

Mehdi Nassouli Mustapha Bakbou

Hamid El kasri

Hamid Serghini Five StarsDaoudia

Batoul EL MerouaniRachida talalSaida Charaf

Orchestre Cherkani

Masta FlowDon BiggLa Fouine

Ribab FusionFarid Ghanamissam kamal

Mustapha BourgogneMoughit Daoudi

Jahida Wehbe

Alpha Blondy

ORiENtAL StAGE Nahda

AFRiCAN StAGE

BOUREGREG

MOROCCANStAGE

Salé

Mohammed v National theatre

WORLD MUSiC StAGE Chellah

StREEt SHOWSRABAt

tHURSDAy

18 MAi

FRiDAy

12 MAi

FRiDAy

19 MAi

tUESDAy

16 MAi

SAtURDAy

13 MAi

SAtURDAy

20 MAi

MONDAy

15 MAi

WEDNESDAy

17 MAi

SUNDAy

14 MAi

Uk irak Liban irak/Syrie Lebanon Lebanon Egypt Morocco

Belgium Guinea/Senegal /France Mali Angola

Nigeria/Great Britain Congo/Belgium Ghana trinidad & tobago

Syria

Morocco Morocco Morocco Morocco Morocco Morocco Morocco Morocco Morocco

ivory Coast

France/Armenia

Les tambours du Maroc (Morocco’s Drums) Morocco Oussama Band (Morocco)

Casa Fiesta Band (Morocco)

Syria

Cyprus

Greece

island of Madagascar

india

Marmara island

France/Armenia

Balearic islands Spain

Péru

ilha Grande / Brazil

tunisia

Martinique / France

Spain

Reunion island

Lebanon

Cape verde island

Bakho Atika Band (Morocco)

Sami yusuf Majid Al Mohandis

Nawal El zoghbi

MohamedAl Salem

Hussein El DeekFares karam Najwa karam tamer Hosny

Asmae Lamnawar

Hatim Aammor

Georges Wassouf

vakia Stavrou Justin vali Maqâm Roadstrio Chicuelo

& MarcoMezquida

Agathe iracema (the

Brazilian Music Band)

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