Casablanca's premier music event: Jazzablanca 2025 announces stellar international lineup

Wednesday 05 February 2025 - 11:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Casablanca's premier music event: Jazzablanca 2025 announces stellar international lineup

Morocco's vibrant city of Casablanca is set to host the 18th Jazzablanca Festival from July 3-12, 2025, bringing together an extraordinary roster of international music stars and emerging talents.

The festival opens with three dynamic nights at Casa Anfa and Scène 21 from July 3-5. El Comité will kick off the celebrations with their signature Afro-Cuban jazz, followed by Hindi Zahra showcasing her latest album. British vocalist Seal will headline the opening night, performing his iconic hits including "Kiss from a Rose" and "Crazy."

July 4 brings Polish guitar virtuoso Marcin to the stage, alongside Brazilian samba icon Seu Jorge, with funk pioneers Kool & The Gang closing the night. The Black Eyed Peas will make their Jazzablanca debut on July 5, bringing their chart-topping hits like "I Gotta Feeling" and "Where Is The Love" to the Casa Anfa stage.

The festival's intimate Village setting at Scène 21 will host eight diverse acts from July 6-9. Notable performances include Aïta Mon Amour, who blend traditional Moroccan aïta chants with electronic elements, and an innovative collaboration between British group Waaju and Moroccan maâlem Majid Bekkas, combining jazz, afrobeat, and gnaoua traditions. London-based Ezra Collective will showcase their distinctive fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and afrobeats.

The final three days feature Palestinian pianist Faraj Suleiman presenting his Levant-inspired jazz quintet, while trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf returns to perform The Trumpets of Michel-Ange. The festival culminates on July 12 with Congolese afro-rock ensemble Jupiter & Okwess, followed by American rapper Macklemore's first-ever Moroccan performance.