Held at the Megaloft venue as part of Youth Day celebrations, the event featured live performances and DJ sets, turning reggae into a common musical language for participants from Essaouira and visitors from cities including Dakar, Lagos, Kampala and Atlanta, as well as Jamaica.
The event’s organizers said the preview was designed as a space for cultural exchange and interaction between young people and artists from different backgrounds, with music taking center stage.
Othman Hibah Allah, co-founder of the event, told MAP that the preview drew a large audience and attracted musicians from several countries. He said organizers hope to turn it into an annual celebration of Moroccan youth and Youth Day.
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He added that work is underway to prepare the festival’s full program, which will address themes including peace, with a particular focus on African unity through music, “from Essaouira toward Africa.”
Moroccan artist Badr Sabry, who took part in the event for the first time in Essaouira, said he was pleased to perform in the city, highlighting its cultural diversity and strong musical identity, particularly its Gnawa heritage.
The Essaouira-based Kanawa International served as the event’s main musical ensemble, bringing together Momo Africa, Ghostman King, Julian Drum, Bassman Casa and Kizman Bingi for a performance drawing on a range of African influences.
The preview also featured Ivorian artist David Rasta, the rock and Gnawa group Boba Gnaoui, and emerging Gnawa singer Sharifa Ghaniya.
Several DJs also performed during the event, including DJ L82DP, DJ Rita Soko, DJ Rabie, DJ Alassa and DJ Sparta.
