The City of the Trade Winds will be in a buzz on the occasion of its very popular musical event: the highly sought-after Gnaoua and World Music Festival of Essaouira, which is in its 16th edition.

For four days, from 20 to 23 June, Essaouira will vibrate to the rhythm of this unique event, which "occupies an important place in the Moroccan and international cultural agenda. (And which) has managed to transcend borders to preserve and transmit an ancestral heritage, that of the Gnaoua," emphasises the A3 Communication Agency, organiser of the event.

This time again, the organisers have concocted a quality programme dedicating music in all its forms, through various shows hosted by groups and artists of excellent renown who will only have one challenge to meet: to offer a festive and convivial atmosphere to the thousands of Souiris as well as to their many guests coming from other cities of the Kingdom and even from elsewhere. It must be said that every year, "thousands of music lovers meet in the Medina of Essaouira to experience exceptional moments, moments where the greatest Gnaoua maâlems and their guests from all over the world merge their talents and their music," the organisers recall.

An atmosphere that this edition will recreate, reassure the promoters of the event, who promise a cocktail of Moroccan, African, and international sounds.

Indeed, in addition to the Gnaoua masters representing the different cities of Morocco, renowned artists and groups from the world of jazz will also be part of it. And will achieve, on this occasion, "unprecedented fusions that have become an indelible signature of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival".

The Festival will also welcome new voices of committed Africa, who "will come to enchant the public of Essaouira and make their messages heard, and stars of African music but also its young talents, those who have already taken over to further enrich this repertoire".

The 2013 edition will also be an opportunity to pay a vibrant tribute to the maestro of the legendary group Nass El Ghiwane, Abderrahmane Paca, and to the great Gnaoua masters Chérif Regragui and Abdellah Guinea. Three great Gnaoua figures who passed away this year and who will be honoured posthumously in their hometown of Essaouira.

In this regard, it should be noted that "Gnaoua maâlems from Morocco will offer the best of their music in memory of these masters, and this, in lilas charged with emotions, where they will perpetuate the tradition and make the memory of their iconic companions, Paca and Regragui, eternal," it is explained.

Another activity included in the programme is the Festival Forum, which is in its second edition. Hosted by renowned national and international speakers, such as the Senegalese Minister of Tourism, Youssou N’dour, this meeting will be placed under the theme "Societies in motion, youth of the world".

Finally, the organisers have promised to present new initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting the ancestral and authentic heritage.