Rabat, June 22nd 2018: Record crowd attendance and successful opening for the 17th edition of the Mawazine Festival Rhythms of the World, held from June 22nd to the 30th, 2018, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. The first evening of the festival was an opportunity for the public to live two great moments in the company of iconic international artists!

The spectators first had an appointment with the amazing Martin Garrix, who gathered on the stage of the OLM Souissi a considerable crowd. At the age of 21, Dance Music’s freshest talent has risen in the world of pop and electronic music in just a few years. Twice ranked first in the Top 100 of DJ Mag, Garrix has put all of his passion in the service of a masterful show that has thrilled festival-goers.

The Nahda venue has also been the space of an unforgettable encounter between the public and the most famous singer in the Arab world, the great Kadim Al Sahir. The Iraqi artist has delivered a remarkable performance and dazzled by his complete mastery of the vocal game. With over 100 million albums sold, Kadim Al Sahir has remained faithful to his legend, captivating the crowd with a repertoire that mixes poetry with committed lyrics. An anthology concert!

Stronghold of African music, the Bouregreg venue welcomed a particularly successful concert: that of the mythical Ebo Taylor. Gifted guitarist and arranger, alongside Fela Kuti, was one of the promoters of the transformation of the highlife style into afrobeat, was accompanied by an electric big band whose musical mixing, between regional traditions and Western sounds, touched the hearts and minds.

At the Mohammed V National Theater, a violin legend, Ara Malikian, has been a wonderful incarnation of the cosmopolitan artist. This Armenian genius grew up in Lebanon before studying music in Germany, then moved to Madrid offering breathtaking shows around the world.

With more than half of its programming dedicated to Moroccan artists, Mawazine has also honored the best talents of the kingdom! On the Salé stage, the Cravata band, directed by Salim Bennani, has captured the rhythms of Moroccan folklore and the biggest international hits to turn them into festive and delirious soundtracks. The beautiful Reem, originally from Rabat, has subsequently sung her most beautiful pieces in Darija and in a superb modern pop style. As for the young Ihab Amir, only 22 years old, proved that he was one of the most promising singers of his generation!