Chaired by the Wali of the Casablanca-Settat region, Mohamed Mhidia, and the governor of the prefecture of the Ain Sbaa-Hay Mohammadi districts, Hassan Benkhayi, the opening ceremony of this edition was marked by a majestic evening hosted by groups Moroccan music.
During a speech, Rachid Zaki, director of the festival, highlighted the particularity of this 3rd edition which sees the participation of more than 18 groups and pays tribute to the El Ghiwan movement, highlighting the role of this phenomenon for the promotion of spoken arts and the cultural diversity of the country.
Today, he continued, the legacy of El Ghiwane lives on through generations. Their influence is visible in the works of many contemporary Moroccan artists.
For his part, Omar sayed welcomed, in a statement to MAP, that “the musical culture of our region celebrated and valued” through festivals of this type “which are likely to inspire young artists and preserve our rich musical heritage for future generations.”
as for the president of the council of the Hay Mohammadi district, Youssef Errkhis, he highlighted the role of the Hay mohammadi district in the emergence of several Moroccan talents, namely the El Ghiwane phenomenon, which has gone well beyond the borders of the Morocco, contributing to the shaping of a cultural and social consciousness among the youth of the 70s and 80s.
The opening evening of the Phénomène des Groupes Festival attracted an eager crowd, particularly from the Hay Mohammadi district. This first evening proved to be a real mix of musical styles, offering the audience a rich and varied experience.
The highlight of the evening was the entrance on stage of the legendary group Nass El Ghiwane,whose performance was acclaimed with a standing ovation. The group performed their most iconic songs, delighting longtime fans and new admirers alike.
The evening continued in style with the performance of the group “Africa Selm”, plunging the audience into a lively atmosphere with its captivating African rhythms. Then, the Miloud Mesnaoua group took over, igniting the stage with a diverse repertoire, captivating a responsive and warm audience.
the opening of the festival was also marked by a theatrical performance, created specifically for the event, with the participation of Abdelilah Aajil, Souad El Ouazzani, El Charki Sarouti and many others. This evening promises to be nothing but the start of a memorable musical celebration throughout the festival.
What is the importance of the el Ghiwan movement in contemporary Moroccan music?
Interview with Rachid Zaki: Celebrating the Legacy of El Ghiwan at the Phénomène des Groupes Festival
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Rachid Zaki, director of the Phénomène des Groupes Festival.Your festival has just kicked off its third edition, celebrating the incredible contributions of the El Ghiwan movement. Can you tell us what makes this year’s festival particularly special?
Rachid Zaki: Thank you for having me. This year is indeed special as we have over 18 groups participating, all paying tribute to the El Ghiwan movement, which has played a vital role in promoting spoken arts and the rich cultural diversity in Morocco. the legacy of El Ghiwan continues to resonate today, influencing a whole generation of contemporary Moroccan artists.
Time.news Editor: That’s captivating! The El Ghiwan movement is known for its unique blend of music and socio-cultural commentary. How do you see its influence evolving in today’s music scene?
Rachid Zaki: The influence of El Ghiwan is profound. their themes of social consciousness and cultural identity have paved the way for many modern musicians in Morocco.Today’s artists are drawing inspiration from their work, which showcases the timelessness of their message. By celebrating El Ghiwan at our festival, we are not only honoring their legacy but also encouraging new generations to explore and embrace our musical heritage.
Time.news Editor: The festival gathered an eager crowd, particularly from the Hay Mohammadi district.What role dose this community play in fostering musical talent?
Rachid Zaki: Hay Mohammadi has been a prolific breeding ground for musical talent in Morocco.This district has given rise to notable figures in the El Ghiwan phenomenon, impacting the cultural and social consciousness of the youth in the 70s and 80s. Events like ours bring the community together and inspire young artists to engage with their heritage while also showcasing it on broader platforms.
Time.news Editor: We also heard the opening night featured the legendary group Nass El Ghiwane, among other performances. What impact do you believe these live performances have on audiences and artists alike?
Rachid Zaki: Live performances create a unique connection between artists and the audience. the standing ovation for Nass El Ghiwane underscores their ongoing relevance and the nostalgia they evoke. For emerging artists, witnessing and participating in such performances can be incredibly inspiring. They see first-hand the power of music in storytelling and cultural expression, which can motivate them to pursue their artistic journeys.
Time.news Editor: Besides music, the festival also showcased theatrical performances. How does this blend of arts contribute to the overall experience?
Rachid Zaki: The integration of theater adds depth to the festival, highlighting the interplay between different forms of artistic expression. This year’s theatrical performance, featuring notable artists like Abdelilah Aajil and Souad El ouazzani, was crafted specifically for the event, creating a multidimensional experience. This blend fosters a greater thankfulness of our rich cultural landscape, encouraging audiences to engage with various forms of art.
Time.news Editor: As the festival continues, what message would you like to convey to aspiring musicians and artists?
Rachid Zaki: my message would be to immerse yourselves in your heritage. explore the stories and sounds that have shaped not just Moroccan music but also your own identity. Festivals like ours are here to celebrate and preserve this legacy, and I invite young artists to participate, learn, and express themselves while honoring those who came before them. The future of music in Morocco is bright, and it’s built on the foundations laid by legends like El Ghiwan.
Time.news Editor: Thank you,Rachid Zaki,for sharing your insights today. We look forward to seeing how the festival unfolds and the ongoing impact it has on Moroccan culture and music.
Rachid Zaki: Thank you! It was a pleasure to discuss the festival and the importance of our musical heritage.