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Mawazine 2025 Angélica López electrifies the Chellah
In the heart of the historic Chellah site, bathed in soft light and warmed by a gentle June breeze, Colombian singer Angélica López delivered an enchanting musical performance on Sunday evening as part of the 20th edition of the Mawazine Festival World Rhythms. Before a large and attentive audience, the Cartagena-born artist revealed a repertoire blending traditional Caribbean coastal rhythms, soulful vocals, and rich instrumentation, transforming the ancient necropolis into a vibrant place of celebration.
From her first appearance on stage, wearing a white dress with golden details, Angélica López commanded attention with elegance and warmth. Her opening song, Madre Monte, set the tone with deep percussion, hypnotic bass lines, and vocals inspired by tropical forest legends, instantly drawing the audience into a sensory journey. Accompanied by musicians wearing traditional hats and seated on a red carpet as if in a ritual circle, she fostered a rare spirit of communal connection.
The flowing cumbia rhythms echoed within the centuries-old walls, supported by an orchestration that combined ancestral instruments with modern pop influences. In a moment of intimacy, López surprised with a sensual and precise Spanish rendition of the classic Sway. Under soft jazzy guitar notes and subtle maracas, some attendees quietly danced, extending the warm ambiance of the summer evening.
A highlight of the concert was the introduction of the gaita, a traditional Colombian flute with a deep, textured sound. Before playing, López shared the indigenous origins of the instrument, sparking curiosity and respect. As the gaita’s voice rose alongside tribal percussion, the crowd was invited to clap, turning the esplanade into a pulsating heart, beating to the traditions of northern Colombia.
Later, the mood softened with a sensitive version of Bésame Mucho accompanied by a languid saxophone. López closed her set with Colombia, a heartfelt anthem of her roots, sung with joy and remembrance. Her powerful, clear voice rose above the ancient stones, met with enthusiastic applause and long ovations.
Based in London, Angélica López has long pursued a unique artistic vision: blending the sounds of her homeland with contemporary global music styles. Winner of a Latin UK Award in 2018 for her album Madremonte, she has performed at renowned venues such as WOMAD and the Royal Albert Hall, committed to highlighting forgotten musical heritage. Her latest EP, C’est la vie, continues this quest for fusion, bridging continents and legacies.
That Sunday night at the Chellah, this artistic vision resonated deeply, as the historic site became a shared space of rhythms, memory, and connection. Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the 20th Mawazine Festival reaffirmed its goal of making Rabat and Salé capitals of global musical dialogue. Thanks to Angélica López, the Chellah walls vibrated with a rare emotion, bridging echoes of the past and hopes for the future.