The American online music publication Pitchfork cited the 25th edition of the Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival, scheduled for June 27 to 29, among the “most anticipated” musical events in 2024.
A world reference in music criticism, Pitchfork indicates, in a presentation by Boutayna Chokrane, that since 1998, the Gnaoua and World Music Festival has invited artists from Africa and the rest of the world to Essaouira to fuse their sounds with traditional Gnaoua music.
For its 25th edition, the three-day fest has curated a lineup of 400 performers, including 35 Gnaoua maâlems, and 53 shows across seven stages. Among the acts are Aïta Mon Amour, Buika, Ilê Aiyê, Issam Kamal & Mazagan, Jon Grandcamp, Labess, Nino de Los Reyes & Sergio Martinez, Saint Levant, and the Brecker Brothers Band Reunion.
“Of special mention are the six fusion concerts, where collaborative performances will blend genres like Brazilian batucada, flamenco, and Zaouli, among many others”, the media added, inviting Gnaoua fans to not miss the opening concert featuring Maâlem Hamid El Kasri and Bokanté.
