The 26th Jazz Festival Kicks Off at Chellah

The 26th edition of the Jazz at Chellah Festival commenced on Friday with a vibrant musical evening at the historic Chellah site in Rabat. The opening ceremony was marked by a captivating performance that brought together the French group Sarab and the talented qanoun player, Hiba Mekkaoui.

This three-day global cultural event, organized by the European Union (EU) in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, the Wilaya of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, and Rabat Région Patrimoine Historique, witnessed an enthralling performance by German trumpeter Markus Stockhausen, accompanied by Moroccan musician and poet Aziz Sahmaoui.

Attended by Daniele Dotto, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Morocco, and Majid Bekkas, the festival's Artistic Director, these performances offered the audience a delightful preview of an edition that promises "a variety of transcendent sounds and ambiances."

Dotto expressed that this iconic festival aims to bring together the Moroccan and European peoples through art and music, showcasing talented artists from different countries who celebrate peace and harmony.

Coinciding with Europe Day, commemorating the Schuman Declaration that led to the creation of the EU (May 9, 1950), Dotto highlighted that this anniversary and the festival share principles of unity, peace, and openness.

Furthermore, he revealed that this edition promises artistic concerts "celebrating the unity in the diversity of our cultures," emphasizing that music is a universal language that transcends borders, bridges distances, and strengthens bonds of friendship and fraternity.

Bekkas noted that this annual cultural event serves as a meeting place for jazz musicians from Morocco and beyond, creating a distinct cultural dialogue that enchants jazz enthusiasts.

He added that the festival, now in its 26th year, primarily focuses on the intersection and fusion between European jazz and ancient Moroccan music, inviting the audience to be captivated by a new musical color jointly produced by Morocco and Europe, enriching national music and introducing the Moroccan public to various European jazz styles.

For this 26th edition, the organizers promise exceptional musical moments, featuring Moroccan and European artists who will perform nightly from 8 PM, enchanting the audience within the historic Chellah site.

In addition to the musical performances, the festival program includes masterclasses for musicians and singers, led by Climène Zarkan, the singer of the group Sarab, Aziz Sahmaoui, a Gnaoua singer and multi-instrumentalist, and Adrien Lambinet, a trombonist and composer.

The audience will also have the opportunity to experience a roaming concert through the streets of Rabat, offered by the group Salt, fusing jazz melodies with swing, Latin, ska, and cajun rhythms, imbued with Joy of life.