Will Smith Sets Rabat Alight in Electrifying Mawazine Debut
Will Smith Sets Rabat Alight in Electrifying Mawazine Debut

On Wednesday night, the stage at OLM Souissi in Rabat lit up with a performance few will forget. For the first time ever in Morocco, Will Smith took the stage, electrifying the crowd at the 20th edition of the Mawazine Festival with a show that was anything but ordinary.

From the moment he appeared, Smith brought a surge of energy that swept through the audience. Backed by a team of top-tier dancers, he launched into a set packed with his biggest hits, each one delivered against a dazzling backdrop of light shows, immersive video projections, and high-tech digital effects. The giant screen behind him shifted from sprawling cityscapes to abstract visuals and explosive graphics, creating a rich, cinematic atmosphere that amplified every beat.

The crowd roared as Smith powered through crowd favorites like “Gettin’ Jiggy wit It,” “Miami,” “Will 2K,” and “Men in Black.” Every moment was choreographed to precision, but the night wasn’t just about flawless execution. Smith, as always, brought warmth and charisma to the stage, pausing between songs to connect with fans on a personal level. Before singing “Just the Two of Us,” he shared a heartfelt reflection on his relationship with his son. Later, during “Work of Art,” he delivered a moving message about love’s importance, emphasizing that it doesn’t depend on perfection.

This concert is part of Smith’s global tour promoting his new album Based on a True Story. With an Oscar and four Grammy Awards to his name, he reminded everyone that his talents go far beyond the silver screen—he remains a dynamic and captivating performer in every sense.

Running from June 20 to 28, the Mawazine Festival continues to position Rabat-Salé as a global hub for music and culture. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the event once again brings together a powerful lineup of international stars and leading voices from the Arab world, reinforcing its place as one of the most distinctive and influential festivals on the global stage.