The streets of Essaouira came alive as the 27th edition of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival opened with its signature parade of Gnaoua brotherhoods, celebrating a musical tradition deeply rooted in Africa’s history and cultural heritage. Held from the 25th to the 27th of June, the festival drew hundreds of thousands of visitors to the UNESCO-listed coastal city, transforming its ancient medina into one of the continent’s most vibrant musical stages.
Founded in 1998 by producer Neila Tazi, the festival has grown into an international platform showcasing Gnaoua music while fostering dialogue between African and global musical traditions. For Tazi, Africa has always been central to the festival’s identity. “Africa is part of the festival’s DNA,” she said. “
Gnaoua music traces its origins to communities descended from enslaved people brought to Morocco from sub-Saharan Africa over centuries of trans-Saharan trade. Today it is recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, a status Tazi herself helped secure through years of advocacy.
One of the highlights of this year’s festival was the return of internationally acclaimed Cameroonian bassist Richard Bona, who performed in Essaouira for the first time in eight years. Bona said African musical traditions share a common language despite their regional diversity. “Our African music has always shared common roots,” he said. “Whether it’s Gnaoua, Sabar, Bolobo, or any other African tradition — if you understand the grammar, you can easily read or understand the music. It all comes back to rhythm.”
Among the most resonant performances was that of Asma Hamzaoui, the first female Gnaoua maâlema, whose presence on the stage challenges a tradition that has historically been overwhelmingly male-dominated. Her growing international recognition represents one of the festival’s most significant contributions to the evolution of the tradition it was founded to preserve.
Over nearly three decades, the festival has evolved into far more than a music event. It has become a celebration of African identity, cultural memory and artistic innovation, offering a space where musicians from across the continent and beyond explore their common heritage through performance. Organisers say preparations are already underway for the 2027 edition, which promises new collaborations designed to further strengthen the connections between Gnaoua music and other African musical traditions.
Africa Presents is a Pan-African digital magazine and monthly publication covering politics, business, economy, culture, tech, and the stories shaping Africa and its diaspora. Visit africapresents.com and follow @AfricaPresents for daily coverage and monthly themed magazine editions.
Leave a comment