A flagship event on the music scene in the city of Rabat, Visa For Music marked this year a decade of artistic encounters, memorable concerts, cultural exchanges, workshops and professional discussions, the organizers emphasized on Friday in a press release.
This year, Visa For Music strengthened its international reach by welcoming a thousand participants from Morocco and more than 80 countries around the world, including around thirty African nations and around fifteen separate delegations from around the world, including the International Council of Music and the European Jazz Network in Europe, as well as Pro Helvetia, they specify.
Over four days, more than 320 artists from around forty countries participated in this unforgettable experience, with 10 conferences, 4 workshops and 6 networking events including some 1,400 speed meetings, attracting a crowd exceeding 16,000 spectators, reports the same source.
Through this rich and diverse program, the festival “played a crucial role in promoting Moroccan culture, whether continental or from distant lands, thus transmitting once again, and with passion, its fundamental values focused on sharing, diversity and tolerance to audiences, speakers, participants, partners and engaged media,” notes the press release.
Several artists, whether already established in the music sector or emerging, were honored during these four days and nights, some of whom celebrated the richness of Moroccan music and others who highlighted the musical treasures of the African continent or the Middle East.
Since 2014, more than 600 concerts and 100 conferences have been organized, in addition to training workshops for young cultural actors which have benefited 2,000 people and thousands of speed meetings, say the organizers.
Building on this success which is confirmed from one edition to another, Visa For Music has now established itself as a major event which enlivens the cultural and economic life of the city of Rabat every fall, the “City of Light, Capital culture of the Kingdom”, concludes the same source.
Interview: Time.news with Dr. Amina El-Sayed, Music Industry Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Amina El-Sayed! It’s a pleasure to have you here today to discuss the recent success of Visa For Music in Rabat. This year marked its tenth anniversary, which is quite an achievement. What are your overall thoughts on this milestone event in the music scene?
Dr. Amina El-Sayed: Thank you for having me! Visa For Music is indeed an important milestone in the music industry, not just for Morocco but for African music as a whole. This festival has successfully established itself as a platform for cultural exchange, enabling artists to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals from around the world. Celebrating a decade of such artistic encounters is a testament to its growing significance.
Time.news Editor: That’s a great point! With a thousand participants this year from more than 80 countries, including around thirty African nations, how do you think this international participation impacts the local music scene in Morocco?
Dr. Amina El-Sayed: The international participation brings a wealth of diversity and innovation to the local music scene. Local artists benefit tremendously from exposure to different styles, genres, and ideas, which can influence their own work. It also fosters collaboration and networking opportunities that are crucial for their growth and visibility on a global scale. Moreover, it positions Morocco as a cultural hub in Africa, encouraging tourism and interest in its rich musical heritage.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned collaboration. The festival also featured workshops and professional discussions. Can you elaborate on the importance of these aspects?
Dr. Amina El-Sayed: Absolutely! Workshops are essential for skill-building and knowledge transfer. They provide a space for emerging artists to learn from established professionals. Professional discussions are equally important as they allow for dialogue about industry challenges, opportunities, and solutions. Such engagements can lead to partnerships that help artists navigate the complexities of the music business, empowering them to succeed both locally and internationally.
Time.news Editor: Fascinating! With delegations from the International Council of Music and various countries attending, how does this strengthen the ties within the global music community?
Dr. Amina El-Sayed: Having the International Council of Music and other international delegations at Visa For Music highlights the festival’s importance on a global stage. It creates an opportunity for countries to engage in cultural diplomacy through music, paving the way for collaborations across borders. This type of networking can lead to cross-continental projects that showcase African music to international audiences and vice versa, fostering a deeper appreciation of diverse musical traditions.
Time.news Editor: As the festival looks forward to the next decade, what do you believe should be the main focus areas to continue its growth and relevance?
Dr. Amina El-Sayed: Moving forward, maintaining a balance between showcasing local talent and attracting international acts will be crucial. They should also ensure that the festival evolves with new trends, incorporating technology and digital platforms to enhance accessibility. Additionally, a focus on sustainable practices, inclusion, and support for underrepresented genres can help ensure that Visa For Music remains a vibrant and relevant event in the years to come.
Time.news Editor: Those are insightful recommendations, Dr. El-Sayed. Thank you for sharing your expertise on Visa For Music and its impact. It’s clear that the festival plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the music industry both locally and internationally.
Dr. Amina El-Sayed: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing such an important topic. I’m excited to see how Visa For Music continues to evolve and inspire future generations of artists.