MOGA Festival strengthens electronic music training for young Moroccan artists

14:00

Essaouira, Morocco — A new generation of Moroccan DJs and electronic music producers is being given greater access to professional training as the MOGA Festival expands its focus beyond performances and into career development.

A five-day training programme in Essaouira concluded on Tuesday, bringing together 15 emerging DJs and producers, including four women, for an intensive programme covering music production, DJing, artistic direction and the business side of the music industry.

The initiative was organised through MOGA Academy, the training component of MOGA Connect, the professional arm launched for the 10th edition of the MOGA Festival. The festival is scheduled to take place in Essaouira from September 30 to October 4.

From artistic skills to career development

The programme was designed to address the increasingly diverse demands facing electronic music artists. Participants worked on DJ techniques, mixing and transitions, music production and artistic identity, while also exploring promotion strategies, relationships with record labels and copyright protection.

The training was organised in partnership with the Association 4S and supported by the British Council. Its free-access format was intended to give young artists practical tools while creating opportunities for exchange with established figures in the sector.

Moroccan DJ and producer Abderrahman El Hafid, known professionally as Mr. ID, led a workshop focused on DJing and music production.

He stressed that the role of a DJ has evolved considerably, with artists increasingly expected to develop and release their own music rather than simply perform existing tracks. In his view, helping young talents establish a distinctive sound and artistic identity is becoming particularly important as Morocco's electronic music scene continues to attract new performers.

Mr. ID also highlighted the value of exchanges between generations, arguing that experienced artists can help emerging musicians better understand the professional realities of the sector while gaining insight into the expectations of younger performers.

Women gaining visibility in the electronic music scene

For the participating artists, the programme also offered an opportunity to build professional networks and strengthen their visibility.

Fairouz, who performs under the name DJ Fay, described her selection among the 15 participants as an important opportunity. She particularly pointed to the presence of four women in the group as a positive step toward increasing the visibility of Moroccan women within the country's music scene.

Other participants welcomed the programme's broad approach. Moroccan DJ Riko Sereno said the training addressed both the creative and professional dimensions of a DJ's career, allowing participants to look beyond performance techniques and better understand the wider requirements of the profession.

The composition of the group also encouraged exchanges among emerging artists working at different stages of their careers.

Copyright and the business of music

The final day, under the title "Tekwin," shifted particular attention toward the legal and commercial dimensions of the music industry.

Nora Tawab, Copyright & Royalty Analyst at Sony Music Publishing MENA in Dubai, worked with participants on issues surrounding copyright, the management of musical works and the professional development of artists.

Such subjects are increasingly relevant to musicians whose careers extend across streaming platforms, labels, live performances and international collaborations. Understanding ownership and royalty mechanisms can therefore form an important part of building a sustainable career in music.

MOGA Connect expands the festival's professional dimension

The training programme forms part of a broader effort by MOGA Connect to create a professional framework around Morocco's electronic music ecosystem.

Introduced for the festival's 10th anniversary, MOGA Connect combines training, professional development and networking activities. Its MOGA Academy includes programmes addressing cultural project management and production, alongside specialised training for DJs and electronic music producers.

The professional programme will also feature the Essaouira Dance Summit, scheduled for October 1 at Dar Souiri. Organised in partnership with the Hiba Foundation and Lisbon Dance Summit, the event will bring together Moroccan and international artists and industry professionals.

Discussions are expected to address the organisation of the electronic music scene, international career opportunities and emerging revenue models for artists.

With these activities, the MOGA Festival is extending its role from a showcase for electronic music into a platform where artists can develop technical expertise, professional networks and a clearer understanding of the industry surrounding their work.