The 19th Jazzablanca festival will take place from 2 to 11 July in Casablanca, with a bigger line-up and a new set-up.
For the first time, there will be four concerts every night at Anfa Park. Shows will be split between the main stage and the Scène 21 stage. In total, 50 artists will perform. Paid concerts will be held at Anfa Park, while free shows will take place at the Arab League Park.
Organisers say the new format shows how much the festival has grown over nearly 20 years. They say the aim is still the same: to mix big international stars, well-known artists and new talent. The festival’s “Village” area, where people meet and relax, will also have a new design to improve the visitor experience.
Robbie Williams to open the festival
Fourteen artists have been announced so far.
British pop star Robbie Williams will open the festival on Thursday 2 July. Organisers say it will be his first concert in North Africa at Jazzablanca.
American guitarist Cory Wong will perform on 3 July. German rock band Scorpions will play on 4 July as they celebrate 60 years in music.
Singer Mika will return on 9 July, performing the same night as Canadian singer Charlotte Cardin. Colombian singer Juanes is set to perform on 10 July. British singer Jorja Smith will close the festival on 11 July.
Pop and urban music will also be part of the line-up. Naïka will perform on 5 July, and French-Algerian rapper Rilès on 7 July.
Modern jazz on Scène 21
Scène 21 will focus on live music and modern jazz.
British-Bahraini trumpeter Yazz Ahmed will play on 2 July. American singer José James will perform on 4 July with a tribute to soul legend Marvin Gaye.
Franco-Moroccan trumpeter Daoud is set for 6 July. US band Thee Sacred Souls will play on 8 July, followed by Fantastic Negrito on 9 July.
Organisers say more names will be announced soon. Four concerts are planned each night from 2 to 11 July across the two stages.
They say this year’s event will keep the festival’s spirit by bringing together global stars, today’s music trends and new voices.
