Mawazine 2025 celebrates two decades of music and culture

Sunday 22 June 2025 - 10:33

By: Zahouani Ilham

Mawazine 2025 celebrates two decades of music and culture

The countdown has ended as the 20th edition of the Mawazine Festival – Rhythms of the World officially began on Friday, June 20, 2025. Over twenty years since its inception, this major cultural event in the Kingdom returns more vibrant than ever, commemorating two decades of musical passion, artistic encounters, and popular celebration under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

The festival’s opening was marked on June 19 at the prestigious Mohammed V National Theater with a powerful performance by Egyptian singer Carmen Suleiman, winner of Arab Idol and a prominent voice in contemporary Arabic music. Her mix of classic ballads and original songs offered a graceful and emotional prelude, setting the tone for this jubilee edition filled with elegance and openness.

To mark this milestone, the lineup is impressive. At OLM Souissi, global stars such as 50 Cent, Will Smith, Kid Cudi, Afrojack, Lil Baby, Lost Frequencies, and the K-pop sensation aespa will energize Rabat with hip-hop, pop, electronic, and fusion beats.

Meanwhile, the Nahda venue highlights leading Arab voices including Nancy Ajram, Kadim Al Sahir, Ragheb Alama, Mohamed Hamaki, Shada Hassoun, Yosra Saouf, Nordo, and diva Diana Haddad, promising spectacular concerts every evening.

At Chellah, the festival transforms heritage sites into stages for poetic and immersive performances by artists from Egypt, Colombia, India, Latin America, and Morocco, fostering a cultural dialogue across continents.

Salé’s beach hosts the festival’s popular heart, drawing large crowds eager to experience Moroccan music’s diversity. The opening night features chaâbi legend Hajib alongside new generation stars Hamza Senhaji and Adil Medkouri, creating an intergenerational celebration that will keep the city dancing late into the night.

Throughout the week, audiences will enjoy a variety of Moroccan artists including Lazaro, Cravata, Duke, Rachida Talal, Najat Aâtabou, Ali Samid, Kaoutar Berrani, and Zakaria Ghafouli, showcasing the scene’s creativity and vibrant cultural roots.

Mawazine 2025 is more than just an anniversary—it is a celebration of music, diversity, and inclusiveness. Since its start, the festival has promoted the vision of accessible art, with 90% of concerts free and stages spread across the city to unite audiences beyond age, gender, and background.

After more than twenty years, this mission remains strong. Mawazine continues to be a cultural engine, a platform for dialogue, and a reflection of a young, creative, and globally connected Morocco. Expecting over 2.5 million spectators, international media attention, and significant economic impact, the festival confirms its place among the world’s largest music events.

The celebration runs through June 28 in Rabat and Salé, resonating deeply in the hearts of all who attend.