Mawazine Festival 2025 Attracts 3.75 Million Attendees
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: The 20th edition of the Mawazine Festival – Rhythms of the World, held from June 20 to 28 in Rabat and Salé, attracted an estimated 3.75 million attendees, reaffirming its status as one of the world’s largest music festivals.
With more than 100 international and regional artists, the festival transformed the Moroccan capital and its surroundings into a global stage of music, featuring a wide array of performances across multiple venues and genres.
Global Superstars Light Up OLM Souissi
The festival’s flagship international stage at OLM Souissi hosted an impressive lineup of world-renowned performers, including Kid Cudi, Becky G, aespa, Lil Baby, Wizkid, Afrojack, Lojay, MoBlack, and Lost Frequencies. Among these, three performances stood out as festival highlights: Will Smith, 50 Cent, and Moroccan rap sensation ElGrande Toto, whose appearances were met with resounding acclaim.
Arabic and Moroccan Music Shine
The Nahda Stage, dedicated to Arabic music, featured top stars such as Nancy Ajram, Myriam Fares, Sherine, Hamaki, Ruby, Aminux, Ragheb Alama, and Boudchart, drawing large crowds each night. In Salé, the spotlight was on Moroccan talent, with veteran artists like Abdelaziz Stati, Najat Aatabou, and Hajib, performing alongside rising names including Lmorphine, Lazaro, and Kaoutar Berrani.
Diverse Cultural Showcases
At the National Theatre Mohammed V, fans enjoyed more intimate performances by artists such as Saber Robai, Tamer Ashour, Wael Jassar, and Kadhem Saher, in addition to a hologram tribute to Abdelhalim Hafez, offering a nostalgic journey for attendees.
The Bouregreg Stage provided a vibrant showcase of world music, featuring Salif Keita, Julian Marley, Yemi Alade, Burning Spear, Cheikh Lô, and others, who brought African, Caribbean, and fusion rhythms to life. Meanwhile, the serene Chellah site hosted spiritually enriching and acoustic performances by artists like Soukaina Fahsi, Luis Salazar, and The Snake Charmer.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite its scale and artistic diversity, this year’s Mawazine Festival was not without its share of controversy and logistical concerns. A significant point of criticism emerged during Sherine’s highly anticipated performance, where the singer relied on playback instead of live vocals, arriving an hour late, leading to disappointment and refund requests from attendees.
Concerns were also raised about lack of air conditioning and ventilation at indoor venues, notably during Kadhem Saher’s overcrowded concert at the Mohammed V Theatre, where stifling heat caused discomfort among attendees.
From a media perspective, journalists and photojournalists reported difficulties in accessing events, with restrictive coverage policies and allegations of harassment. Limited stage access, particularly the 10-minute cap for photographers at major concerts, was seen as a barrier to comprehensive press coverage.
Global Prestige, Local Lessons
Organizers hailed the festival’s massive turnout and international appeal as a testament to its prestige. “The packed venues each night reaffirm Mawazine’s standing as one of the biggest music festivals in the world,” they stated.
However, the operational shortcomings have prompted calls for improved planning and audience services in future editions, to better balance the festival’s artistic ambition with the comfort and safety of its diverse audience.
Despite these concerns, Mawazine 2024 remains a landmark event in Morocco’s cultural calendar, continuing its legacy as a vibrant platform for musical exchange and global celebration.
