On Wednesday evening, the UNESCO headquarters in Paris was bathed in the vibrant colors of Morocco, as the Kingdom once again showcased its rich cultural heritage during the World Day for African and Afro-descendant Culture (JMCA). The event celebrated Africa’s lasting influence through music, cuisine, and thought-provoking discussions, highlighting Morocco’s deep-rooted connection to its African identity.
Under the theme “Preserving and Promoting Ancestral Heritage: A Momentum of Intergenerational Brotherhood,” the 2025 edition of JMCA featured an array of cultural activities that beautifully blended Morocco’s millennia-old traditions with African influences. Guests were mesmerized by the captivating rhythms of Dakka Marrakchia, seamlessly fused with other musical styles from across the continent, while a delectable selection of Moroccan and African delicacies delighted the attendees’ palates.
Morocco’s commitment to African heritage
Speaking at the event, Samir Addahre, Morocco’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to promoting African culture:
“Morocco is proud to be here today to celebrate Africa. Our country is deeply rooted in African culture, and we are actively working to showcase this heritage through numerous initiatives,” he stated.
Beyond the festivities, the event served as a platform to address critical issues regarding the future of African culture. Moroccan communication expert Ismail Daoud emphasized the importance of reclaiming the continent’s cultural narrative.
“We are engaged in a global battle of narratives, where every region seeks to impose its values and identity. Africa can no longer remain a passive observer. We must assert our cultural influence on the global stage,” he passionately declared.
This growing awareness is especially significant as Africa’s youth increasingly demand recognition and respect, moving beyond the colonial and post-colonial perceptions that have long shaped the continent’s global image.
Morocco’s ongoing efforts to elevate African culture
Morocco’s dedication to African culture is not new. Since UNESCO declared January 24 as the World Day for African and Afro-descendant Culture in November 2019, the Kingdom has spearheaded numerous initiatives. Notably, Morocco hosted JMCA 2023 in Rabat, collaborating with United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) and the African Network of Cultural Promoters and Entrepreneurs (RAPEC).
During the event’s opening ceremony, Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of UNESCO’s 42nd General Conference, emphasized the urgency of preserving Africa’s unique cultural wealth.
“African culture, with its diversity, is a wellspring of wisdom, creativity, and resilience. It must be a driving force for peace and development worldwide,” she said.
Miculescu also stressed the crucial role of education in ensuring the continuity of this heritage, calling on all UNESCO member states to embrace the JMCA and use it as a tool for bringing people together.
The evening’s highlight was the presentation of the prestigious JMCA-Kékéli 2025 Awards, which honor individuals and organizations dedicated to promoting African culture and strengthening cross-cultural bonds. These accolades aim to encourage those who contribute to showcasing Africa’s heritage on a global scale.
A pan-African cultural renaissance in motion
The JMCA celebrations form part of a broader movement to revitalize Pan-African cultural identity. The event aims to:
- Promote African and Afro-descendant cultures by celebrating their richness and global contributions.
- Engage the African diaspora in the continent’s cultural rebirth.
- Encourage African nations to integrate JMCA into their national cultural calendars.
- Foster universal brotherhood through intercultural and intergenerational exchanges.
With its unwavering commitment and deep cultural ties to Africa, Morocco continues to play a leading role in this dynamic process, reaffirming its unbreakable bond with the continent and its ancestral heritage.
