The 27th Gnaoua and World Music Festival has come to a close, ending three days of
unforgettable performances, artistic collaborations and cultural dialogue in Essaouira.
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Thousands of festivalgoers gathered to celebrate the unique fusion of traditional Gnaoua music with sounds from
Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Arab world, confirming the festival’s reputation as one of Morocco’s leading cultural events.
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The closing night featured a standout performance by Maâlem Hamid El Kasri, alongside international artists,
delivering powerful musical fusions that blended ancestral rhythms with contemporary influences.
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Beyond the concerts, the festival also hosted its annual Human Rights Forum and educational workshops in partnership
with the Berklee College of Music, reinforcing its commitment to cultural exchange, learning and artistic innovation.
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This year’s edition brought together 43 Gnaoua Maâlems and hundreds of international musicians, celebrating a musical
heritage recognized by UNESCO while showcasing Morocco’s cultural influence on the global stage.
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One thing is clear.
The Gnaoua Festival continues to make Essaouira a global meeting point for music, culture and creativity.
