The popular music festival of Mawazine in Morocco is been canceled this year as well. Mawazine 2021 was scheduled to take place in Rabat. However, the growing COVID-19 situation is asking for more lockdowns and the cancellation of international ceremonies. Amid the crisis, arranging a social gathering is definitely not the choice but people can still enjoy the reminiscence of previous vibrant years which provided the audience a joy beyond religious or cultural aspects. This event is also an important part of the Moroccan economy that helps to earn more international revenue and sponsorships.
The word ‘Mawazine’ means “rhythms of the world” which refers to the diversity of the music festival where musicians and singers from around the world join together. They are joined by the local artists from Morocco as well. The ceremony was presided by the founder and president of Maroc Culture, Mounir Majidi. He is also the personal secretary of Moroccan King Mohammed VI, who handles the cultural foundation at Mawazine and other events. In 2013, this musical gig was attended by a record number of around 2.5 million people which makes it the largest music festival in the world after Donauinselfest in Vienna. Many well-renowned pop artists such as Demi Lovato, Enrique Iglesias, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, The Weeknd, etc many others have performed in the show in the last few years. That also includes legends like, B.B Kind, Elton John, Whitney Houston, Deep Purple, and many others. DJs like Avicii, David Guetta, DJ Snake, Hardwell, etc have complemented audiences’ energy. It also features local artists and traditional musical forms which allows the audience to explore the flavors of traditional Moroccan music.
This musical event is not an approach to gather people under the shade of music, but rather an agenda to gain a positive impression about Morocco as a tolerant country. However, its rigid religious aspects and intolerance are well known. There are still controversies that some of the Moroccan politicians consider the event as an “encouraging immoral behavior.” Rabat is a popular place in the world not only for the musical ceremony but its rich historical beauty. This Moroccan capital has been declared by UNESCO as a national heritage site. Also, this place is the residence of thousands of modern-Muslim citizens whose visionary openness welcomes the cultural gathering. Thus, it is the perfect location to execute this several-day-long event. The show takes place over some of the exotic stages of the city of Rabat like OLM Souissi, Nahda Space, Sale Beach, Bouregreg, Historical Site of Chella, and Mohammed V National Theatre.
While promoting a more liberal and tolerant image of Morocco, this place has become a center and of attraction. Mawazine has become synonymous with Moroccan modernism that features international acts of music, collaboration, and fusion work to support a wider perspective in music and culture. While some pro-Islam communities are against the openness of the ceremony, thousands of music lovers of all age groups gather around to have a taste of their favorite music. Stay tuned to get more updates on the next Mawazine Music Festival.
For more information: http://www.mawazine.ma/en/accueil/