Essaouira is preparing to come alive once again with the sounds of Gnaoua and world music, as the city readies for the 26th edition of its iconic festival, set to run from June 19 to 21. This year’s event promises not only powerful performances but also a deep commitment to artistic exchange and cultural transmission.
On the sprawling beach stage that faces the Atlantic, the festival will blend popular energy with musical mastery. Legendary Gnaoua master Mustapha Baqbou is set to perform alongside his protégé Najib Oubelkas in a show that celebrates legacy and continuity. Joining them is internationally acclaimed Mohamed Kouyou, whose performances are known for both their spiritual intensity and openness to new sonic landscapes.
True to its mission of nurturing future generations, the festival is shining a spotlight on rising Gnaoua stars. Young maâlems like Driss Semlali, Mehdi Kardoudi, Yassine El Bour, and Redouan El Kasri will each bring their own approach, balancing a deep respect for Gnaoua traditions with a push toward innovation and evolution.
The beach will also echo with the politically charged rhythms of Tiken Jah Fakoly. The Ivorian reggae icon, known for his outspoken calls for dignity and peace, will deliver a performance that reflects both his musical talent and his activism. Meanwhile, Fehd Benchemsi & The Lallas will offer a bold fusion of Gnaoua beats with gospel and pop, creating a contemporary reimagining of Moroccan roots.
Other acts will stretch the festival’s boundaries even further. The Leila will bring a raw, personal sound that blends reggada, rock, and social commentary. Ribab Fusion, with their mix of funk, blues, and pop, will offer a fresh take on the musical traditions of southern Amazigh culture.
Away from the main crowds, the Borj Bab Marrakech provides a more intimate backdrop. Perched on the city’s ancient ramparts, this historic fortress will be transformed into an open-air venue where sunset concerts will honor Gnaoua’s rich heritage. Two major figures will take center stage there: Hassan Boussou, known for blending styles, and Abdelkader Amlil, who stays fiercely loyal to the tradition.
This unique venue will also host two genre-bending acts. The French-Algerian duo DUOUD—Mehdi Haddab and Smadj—will reinterpret the oud through an electro lens, drawing on influences from both the Maghreb and urban Europe. The next evening, the Nishtiman Project will present a cross-border journey through Kurdish music traditions from Iraq, Iran, and Turkey.
Altogether, the festival will feature 350 artists, including 40 Gnaoua maâlems, across 54 performances. From the bustling square of Moulay Hassan to more discreet settings like Dar Souiri, Bayt Dakira, and the city’s spiritual zaouias, Essaouira is set to pulse with music that looks outward to the world while staying firmly rooted in its own rich soil.
