And the introduction happens without transition with an opening concert on the Moulay Hassan stage, which immediately set the tone through a fusion between the Gnawa percussion of Maâlem Said Kouyou, the warrior rhythms of Annadi Al Bahri (United Arab Emirates), and the joyful Soussi folklore of the Howara troupe. This opening evening, marked by the presence of the Advisor to HM the King and founding president of the Essaouira-Mogador Association, André Azoulay, and the Minister of Culture of the State of Bahrain, Sheikha May bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, as well as ambassadors accredited to Morocco and other personalities, was set to continue with Omar Hayat, representing the new generation of maâlems who has forged a style all his own, before closing as it began: on a fusion between Ebdelkebir Merchane, who will share the stage with the Zimbabwean Eska, representing the new generation of the English soul/jazz scene. In a statement to the press on this occasion, Sheikha May indicated that her visit to Essaouira was an opportunity to discover the beauty of the city's heritage, highlighting the importance of musical arts in the promotion of cultural tourism and local heritage. The afternoon was also marked by the opening parade, which offered a foretaste of the Festival to the thousands of fans of Gnawa arts and cultures who came from different regions of Morocco and abroad, before diving into the experience. A rich and varied programme has been concocted for this edition, offering the grace and skill of seasoned musicians from different worlds, such as the extraordinary drummer Karim Ziad, the gifted bassist Richard Bona, the architect of groove and saxophonist Maceo Parker, the Gnawa with the deep and intense voice, Maâlem Hamid El Kasri, and the ambassador of Gnawa art and heritage, Aziz Baqbou. Also taking part will be the famous Malhoun singer Majda El Yahyaoui, the eclectic musician Will Calhoun, the singer with the sensual and refined voice, Oum El Ghaït Benessahraoui, better known on the artistic scene as "Oum", and the winner of the 2012 Zeryab Virtuoso Prize, the flautist Rachid Zeroual. In addition to these music heavyweights, the various stages of the city will vibrate to the rhythm of the passion and audacity of young talents from Morocco and elsewhere, such as the groups Mazagan, Amayno, Tyour Gnaoua, Mokoombadégage, Haoussa, and the young Gnawa Hassan Boussou and Mehdi Nassouli. Acoustic concerts (lilas) are also planned at Dar Souiri, Borj Bab Marrakech, and the new Bab El Marsa stage, where the maâlems present the traditional repertoire and allow enthusiasts to discover the ancestral ritual of Gnawa. Thus, this year, eight of the most illustrious masters joined by the Issaoua, the Taifa of Safi, and the Hassani group Baaiya will host the lilas at the end of the evening. These are Maâlems Moustakim Abderrazak, Rachid Hamzaoui, Abdellatif El Makhzoumi (Issaoua of Essaouira), Abdenbi El Gadari, Ahmed Baâlil (Taifa of Safi), Fathallah Chaouki, Abdellah El Gord Baayia, and Allal Soudani. Beyond the stages, the show will invite itself into the street through puppet parades accompanied by artistic troupes such as Ganga of Agadir, Hmadcha, and Issaoua of Essaouira. A tone of recognition will also be given to this edition, with tributes to Maâlems Abdellah Guinea, Abderrahmane Paco, and Chrif Regragui. In addition to the artistic component, an exhibition of renowned painters will be organised for the benefit of the children of the "Essaouira Darna" Association, in addition to discussion spaces, notably the Forum "Society in Motion, Youth of the World". Led by sociologists, historians, political scientists, economists, and economic and socio-political actors, this forum will aim to question the methods of constructing public policies regarding "youth" and outline, following a multidisciplinary approach, the perspectives for coherent and democratic political action that bets on the future.