Essaouira’s Gnaoua festival reveals long-awaited lineup

The Gnaoua and World Music Festival of Essaouira, to be held from June 22 to 24, revealed its long-awaited lineup of national and international sensations to perform in “Mogador”.

Many Moroccan Gnaoua Maalems will take the stage, such as Rachid Benteir, Said Kouyou, Mohamed Boumazzough, Abdelkbir Merchane, Said Boulhimas, Omar Hayat, Hassan Boussou, Abdelmajid Kerdoudi, Seddik Qanarouch, Abdenbi El Fakir El Meknassi.

The actor-turned-musician Fahd Benchemsi will grace the stage with his presence alongside the Lallas. He has been active in the music scene these past couple of years and has filmed live sessions, performed on several occasions, and played Guembri on Instagram lives.

The Maalems Khalid Sansi, Mahmoud El Filali, Hicham Merchane, Abdenbi El Gueddari, Najib Oubelqas, Najib Soudani, Abdelmalek El Kadiri, Abdelaziz Soudani, Abdellah Ait Bakari, Abdellah Akharraz, and Amine El Oujdi will be performing at the soulful event.

This year’s edition will be marked by several female performances, by renowned artists like Bab L’Bluz, Sanaa Marahati, Hind Ennaira, Asmaa Hamzaoui, Bnat Timbouktou, and Hind Ennaira.

The iconic Hamid El Kasri, one of the most sought Maalems who have made a name for themselves on an international level, is one of the most awaited stars on the lineup, as he is considered a Gnaoua icon.

Maalem Abderrahim Oughessal Benthami, Houssam Gania, Ahmed Baqbou, Mohamed Kouyou, Abdeslam Alikane, and Abdelkader Amlil will take over the stage to play Gnaoui rhythms in front of a passionate crowd.

The fusion band Hoba Hoba Spirit, known for mixing Rock, Reggae, and Gnawa is also among the main acts at the festival.

Since its creation in 1998, the Gnaoua and World Music Festival of Essaouira has become one of the major cultural events in Morocco and on the continent. 

With a sharp but coherent and accessible program, the festival attracts each year thousands of visitors from all over the world, but also many artists and intellectuals. Carried by its original philosophy, and its spirit of sharing and discovery, the festival constitutes a unique experience, both spiritual and artistic.