Uncertainty surrounds Mawazine festival amid lineup rumors

Uncertainty is growing around the future of Mawazine Rhythms of the World after widely shared promotional posters on social media claimed to reveal the lineup for its next edition, despite no official confirmation from organizers.

The circulating lists feature prominent Arab and international artists, including Amr Diab, Elissa, Wael Kfoury, Shakira, Amal Maher, Tamer Hosny and Assala Nasri. The rumors sparked excitement among fans, who shared the alleged lineup widely online.

However, a source told Hespress AR that the reports are “baseless,” stressing they are “mere speculation not supported by any official information,” as organizers have yet to announce this year’s artistic program.

The same source pointed to an unprecedented level of uncertainty surrounding the festival’s 21st edition. No official date has been announced, nor have any details about the program been disclosed, a departure from previous years, when organizers typically revealed early outlines shortly after the conclusion of the prior edition.

The lack of official communication has fueled growing questions about whether the festival will take place this year, especially as organizers have remained silent on the reasons behind the delay.

Adding to the uncertainty, the festival’s official website is currently inaccessible, further raising concerns about the event’s future and prompting speculation that the edition could be postponed or restructured.

The situation follows criticism of the 20th edition, which some observers described as underwhelming and below audience expectations, both in terms of programming and organization.

Last year’s event was also marked by organizational shortcomings, including scheduling disruptions, limited engagement with national media and instances of disorder during some concerts. Critics say these issues negatively affected the reputation of a festival long regarded as a benchmark for large-scale event management.