The festivities of “Rabat Capital of African Culture” came to an end with the unmatched “Home is Africa” show which featured performances by Lartiste who surprised his fans with two unreleased songs, Gims performing his greatest works, and a soulful Gnaoua act by Mehdi Nessouli.
The diversity of African music was celebrated by several African diplomats and politicians, notable Moroccan figures from the field of cinema, media, and communication, in response to the invitation of the minister of youth, culture, and communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid.
The scene was situated on the outskirts of the capital of lights, with a breathtaking view of Sale and the historical Kasbah of Oudayas.
The minister sat beside the king’s advisor Andre Azoulay, and Asmaa Rhlalou, Maire of Rabat.
Abir El Abed and Orchestra Omar Metioui opened the event with a performance of Moroccan music before the sunset and a crescent moon illuminated the night sky.
Her melodious voice warmed the attentive crowd as she performed Andalousi and Malhoune songs.
From Cap Verde, Lucibela presented her country’s traditional music, expressing her enormous joy to participate in such a grand event.
After a renowned performance at the Olympia Theatre, the great Mehdi Nessouli and four performers who had just arrived from Paris lighted the stage.
He performed well-known Gnaoua songs while making an emotional speech about the significance of Rabat being the African Cultural Capital of 2022.
With innovative saxophone performances and funky chants, the Senegalese Orchestra Baobab transformed the event and had the crowd dancing with the biggest smiles.
Manal Benchlikha took the stage in a Barbie-like look to perform some of his biggest songs which appealed to the younger generation among the crowd.
Lartiste, who hasn’t seen his fans since the Grand Concert of Rabat, which is also a part of the RCAC celebrations, performed two previously unreleased songs.
The first featured Nigerian singer Lojay and was produced by Moroccan producer RedOne, whose lyrics capture the spirit and values of Africa: love, unity, and diversity.
The second song got the fans screaming at the top of their lungs as it is a song that Lartiste teased for months now, “Ana Wiak”.
Gims, formerly known as Maitre Gims, gave a legendary performance at the end of the concert in which he sang all of his iconic songs, including Bella, Ya Habibi, Seniorita, J me tire, Mi Gna, and Désolé, a song that was released when he was still a member of the hip hop group Sexion d’Assault.
At the end of his long performance, the star went down to greet the crowd and thanked King Mohamed VI.
“Home is Africa” was a safe haven for all, with bolstered security, readily accessible medical aid, enough space for the crowd to enjoy the performances, and an unmatched lineup, in contrast to some events that took place in the past year and were marred by endless complaints about the lack of security and organizational issues.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.