Gnaoua masters representing all regions of Morocco, along with artists and groups from all four corners of the globe, will kick off the 16th edition of the highly popular Gnaoua World Music Festival this evening. This is one day before the start of summer and the International Music Day, to which the festival will add a local flavour.

As every year, the Gnaoua masters, some members of their families, as well as the Hmadcha and Issaoua brotherhoods, will meet in the late afternoon around Bab Doukkala, from where a long procession will depart, leading them to the ramparts of Place Moulay Hassan.

The festivities will truly begin only after the opening speech. Starting at 8 p.m., the Emirati ensemble Annadi Al Bahri will take the stage, offering traditional Bedouin and Arabic percussion with great rhythmic subtlety.

Considered one of the most famous folk troupes at the national level, the Houwara troupe (created by Lhmidi in 1994) will respond to the Emirati group. Before handing the stage over to Said Kouyou, who has distinguished himself many times on numerous stages in Morocco and abroad alongside his brother, Maâlem Mohamed Kouyou.

An hour later, the audience will welcome Maâlem Omar Hayat. A master of fusion, the latter "possesses a style of his own and has often been influenced by various artistic trends, particularly reggae," the organisers point out. Omar Hayat was introduced to Gnaoua music by Mahmoud Guinea.

Invited last year by jazz/hip-hop saxophonist Soweto Kinch, Eska will succeed the Maâlem a few minutes later. The Zimbabwean-born singer will offer the audience a cocktail subtly blending various influences and styles.

She is part of the new generation of the British soul/jazz scene that is highly regarded.

Just after, Maâlem Abdelkebir Merchane, who has participated in numerous festivals across Europe, Arab countries, and Japan, will offer the audience the full extent of his talents. Initiated into tagnaouite by illustrious mentors, such as El Ayachi, Baqbou, and Mohamed Sam, his preferred styles are Marsaoui (Essaouira) and Marrakchi. Maâlem Abdelkebir Merchane will join the Zimbabwean singer at the end of the evening for a fusion that promises to be exciting.

It should be noted that lilas (ceremonies) will be organised the same evening at Dar Souiri with Maâlem Abderrazak Moustaquim (Rabat) and at Bab Lmarssa, which will host in turn Maâlem Ahmed Baalil (Marrakech) and Taifa (Safi).

It should be noted that for its director and producer, Neila Tazi, there is no doubt that festival-goers will be able to "experience once again this unique alchemy of music, the city, and the people" characteristic of this great event.

The Gnaoua festival runs until 23 June.