Imagine stars adorned in caftans, music categories around Chaabi and Malhoun, endless mint tea and all the drama – but in Darija, Amazigh and French of course.
Marrakech – The Grammys are the pinnacle of music awards, a night of glitz, glamour, and occasional drama. But imagine, just for a moment, if this wasn’t happening at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles but somewhere like Marrakech or Casablanca.
Picture the red carpet rolling out in front of the Hassan II Mosque, the after-parties spilling into hidden riads, and the categories reflecting Morocco’s rich musical landscape.
So, let’s expand our imagination shall we? Here’s how the Grammys would go down if Morocco took the reins.
Forget arenas — Moroccan Grammys would be held in a grand riad or royal palace, perhaps in Rabat or Marrakech, where the mosaics outshine any Met Gala backdrop.
VIP sections? More like private Majlis lounges, where nominees sip mint tea instead of overpriced cocktails.
Moroccan designers would dominate the red carpet — think custom Maison Sara Chraïbi, Albert Oiknine, and Said Mahrouf looks dripping in gold thread and pearls.
Forget minimalism — stars would show up in full takchita realness, proving that Moroccan fashion isn’t just about looking good; it’s about making a statement.
American Grammys honor “Best Pop Album” and “Best New Artist,” but a Moroccan version would have:
“Best Chaabi Song” (because no wedding or street party is complete without it)
“Best Rai Banger” (so you know whether to blast Cheb Khaled or Cheba Maria on your road trip)
“Best Fusion Act” (for the artists blending Gnawa, Afrobeat, and electronic vibes)
“Best Malhoun Revival” (for those bringing the poetry of Moroccan Andalusian music back into the mainstream)
Live performances wouldn’t be just about standing on stage with a mic — expect fire dancers, “tbal” drummers, and entire orchestras backing up the artists.
Imagine Asma Lmnawar duetting with Beyoncé on a Chaabi remix of Cuff It or Saad Lamjarred and The Weeknd blending Rai with R&B.
While American celebrities thank God, their label, and their moms, Moroccan winners would cycle through Darija, French, and Amazigh in one breath before dedicating their award to “lmghreb kamel” and slipping in a quick “bseha o raha” before getting cut off.
Moroccan celebrations aren’t a one-night thing.
After the awards, the real party would move to a riad in Marrakech, a rooftop in Tangier, or a beach club in Essaouira, running until the next evening with mint tea, tagine, and deep post-award show debates included.
Would a Moroccan Grammys be a little chaotic? Absolutely.
But would it also be the most unforgettable night in North African music history? No doubt.
What would your dream Moroccan Grammy category be?
