Rabat, 28 June 2019: At 27, Marshmello is regarded as one of the most influential DJs of his generation, with more than 30 million followers on Instagram and Facebook. And it was at the Mawazine — Rhythms of the World Festival that this genius of the decks delivered, on Friday night, a show the public will remember for a long time! With the covers that made his international success, the master of star collaborations gave an exceptional performance before a record audience. The result: beautiful vibes and a shower of ovations for the first Moroccan concert of this global celebrity, friend of Daft Punk!
Nicknamed the sun of Arabic song, Najwa Karam left her mark on this high-flying evening. Considered one of the most popular artists in the Middle East, the diva took over the Nahda space to cheers and performed her finest songs. A wonderful moment of connection with the fans for an extraordinary artist who has sold more than 60 million records worldwide!
Egyptian composer and performer Abu also made a strong impression on the Oriental stage. His distinctive songwriting and unique voice were embraced by festival-goers, who notably sang along to his 2017 hit, voted song of the year.
At the Mohammed V National Theatre, the hall was packed for the performance of Samir Toumi and Sanaa Marahati. A specialist in Arab-Andalusian musical heritage, the Algerian Toumi conveyed the passion inherited from his masters. A sure value of traditional Maghreb musical heritage, he was accompanied by Morocco's Marahati, who represents the new generation of melhoun and gharnati singers.
In Salé, it was Ikram El Abdia who topped the bill with a wild performance. Aged 22, the aïta and chaâbi singer played before a crowd of fans — as did Abdellah Daoudi, whose repertoire of more than 100 songs makes him one of the most talented representatives of popular Moroccan song.
At Bouregreg, voodoo took centre stage with Togolese singer Peter Solo and his band Vaudou Game. Reviving the sounds of afro-funk, a style typical of 1970s African music, the band excelled on stage. Energetic rhythms that revealed another image of this ancestral culture, in which nature and its elements hold a fundamental place!
Blending free jazz with klezmer music and musette with Mediterranean rhythms, the Dan Gharibian Trio invited the Chellah audience on a unique sonic journey through Gypsy, Armenian, Greek and Russian songs and ballads. All elevated by the inimitable voice of Dan Gharibian, founder of the legendary band Bratsch, a spearhead of Gypsy and Eastern music since the 1980s.
Beyond the stages, the Mawazine — Rhythms of the World Festival also took to the streets and squares of Rabat. The group Hot Streets offered a great percussion show that bewitched residents and visitors alike. On the programme: frenzied rhythms and impressive costumes. Equally impressive, the Bladi Brass Band honoured wind instruments by skilfully blending Moroccan rhythms with the great brass-band tradition.
