In a dreamy atmosphere, the large audience present at the first concert of this edition, organised with the support of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, enjoyed a collection of traditional and Tarab songs, in a unique cultural celebration rich in authenticity and creativity, with the participation of a group of shining names in the Moroccan and Arab artistic scene.
Thus, the concert began with the artist Badr Rami, ambassador of Syrian song and Qudud Halabiya, who presented to the audience a selected bouquet of the most beautiful songs that took the audience back to the golden age of Tarab. Over the course of about an hour, this brilliant artist presented a collection of well-known Muwashahat and Tarab songs, including, in particular, "Ya Shadi Al-Alhan", "Ya Man La'ibat Bihi Al-Shamul", and "Salu Fu'adi".
During the second part of this distinguished concert, the audience was treated to a unique musical dish presented by the Moroccan Orchestra of Andalusian Music, led by the artist Idriss Berrada, accompanied by the artist Sanaa Marahati and the artist Mohamed El Asri, who presented a diverse traditional medley combining Andalusian, Gharnati, and Malhun music, among others.
In a statement to the Maghreb Arabe Presse (MAP) agency on the occasion, the artist Sanaa Marahati confirmed that this artistic evening is a tribute to the late artist Mohamed Bouzoubaa through the presentation of a selection from the repertoire of this distinguished artist, in addition to presenting traditional singing segments that highlight the richness of this heritage, which is part of the Moroccan identity.
In this context, she expressed her happiness at participating in the opening ceremony of the third edition of the Moroccan Festival of Andalusian Music, highlighting that such artistic events are a confirmation of our attachment to our Moroccan heritage and our commitment to preserving and valuing it.
For his part, the artist Badr Rami expressed his happiness at meeting "the Moroccan audience that loves Tarab and authentic music", praising the organisation of this festival, which contributes to preserving Moroccan and Arab heritage and passing it on from generation to generation.
In a similar statement, the founding president of the Moroccan Association for Andalusian Music, Fatima Mabchour, highlighted that the third edition of the festival hosts, in its three evenings, alongside Andalusian song, other styles of rich Moroccan traditional music, in addition to world music.
She highlighted that this year's edition, which is characterised by a rich and diverse musical programme, will see for the first time the participation of a musical band composed of artists from France, Belgium, Spain, and Morocco, in addition to the participation of young artists to encourage them to practice this musical style and train a new generation capable of carrying the torch of Moroccan song.
For her part, Leila Lamrini, a research professor and lecturer in heritage, and the host of the ceremony, highlighted the importance of such artistic events that contribute significantly to preserving the constants of the Moroccan cultural identity and introducing the rich and diverse Moroccan heritage inside and outside the Kingdom.
It is noteworthy that before the start of the concert, the audience was welcomed by the folklore association Chabab Noujoum Tinkedid, which entertained the audience with various performances of the art of Aqlal, Daq al-Saif, Rekba, and Chaabi.
The Moroccan Festival of Andalusian Music, organised until 18 January, in partnership with "Casablanca Events and Animation" and the territorial brand (Wecasablanca), and with the support of the National Lottery Management Company, is a platform for cultural and artistic outreach, where the audience sails in the enchanting atmosphere of the scent of this ancient heritage, which embodies the unique fusion between the depth of Moroccan roots and global cultural influences.
