Marrakech – The 4th edition of the “Joudour” Festival kicked off Thursday night in Essaouira with a musical evening of refined elegance, captivating a large and enthusiastic crowd.
Organized by the Racines Association for Art and Culture, this event shines a spotlight on the invaluable artistic and cultural contributions of Sufi brotherhoods and their role in preserving trance music and world music traditions.
Under the theme “Mogador, Essaouira, and the Iberian Peninsula: A Deeply Rooted Past and a Promising Future,” this edition offers a rich and diverse program, featuring an international conference, tributes to iconic literary figures, Gnaoua music concerts, and enchanting Samaâ performances.
Beneath the iconic arches of the sociocultural space “Dar Souiri,” an audience of music lovers, artists, and notable figures was swept away by the perfect harmony of tradition and modernity.
Each performance echoed Essaouira’s deep connection to its rich artistic heritage, proving once again why the City of Trade Winds remains a cultural gem.
The audience was treated to a mesmerizing performance of Sufi Samaâ, masterfully executed by the Mogador Ensemble of the “Ghaziya” brotherhood.
Led by the talented artist Ahmed Abdelhak Elkaab, the troupe took the crowd on a mystical, refined journey, especially through their soulful panegyrics of the Prophet.
The devotional chants, drawn from Morocco’s rich musical repertoire and infused with mystical poetry, stirred deep emotions, uniting hearts across different faiths in a transcendental and universal musical experience.
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The evening continued with a captivating Gnaoua ritual concert, led by Essaouira’s own Abdel Benaddi, joined by the talented guests of “Tayfa Gnaoua,” creating an unforgettable night of rhythm and spiritual connection.
In a solemn atmosphere filled with mesmerizing rhythms and soulful chants, the sounds of the Guembri and Qraqeb echoed powerfully, transporting the audience into a musical world rich with symbols and emotions.
At the end of this captivating opening night, Rachid Laghdira, a member of the organizing association, shared his joy at seeing the festival come back to life after a long pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This event aims to harness all the potential of the City of Trade Winds to create a space for meeting, exchange, and dialogue on the socio-cultural importance of Sufi brotherhoods and trance music, within a large-scale, creative, and inclusive process,” Laghdira stated in an interview with Morocco’s news agency (MAP).
He also noted that this year’s theme embodies the deep historical and cultural ties between Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, further strengthened by the decision to jointly host the 2030 World Cup.
This two-day cultural rendezvous serves as a unique opportunity to explore the many facets of Essaouira’s cultural heritage and engage in discussions about the connections between music, culture, and peace.
