The Egyptian star is set to open the 20th edition of Mawazine with her first-ever performance in Morocco.

Fez– Rabat’s Mohammed V Theater is set to host the opening night of the 20th edition of the “Mawazine – Rhythms of the World” festival this Thursday, June 19, with a performance by Egyptian star Carmen Suleiman.

It’s a first for Suleiman, both at Mawazine and in Morocco. The singer said she’s thrilled to finally meet the Moroccan public and perform for them live, describing it as a long-awaited moment in her career. 

For her debut, she’s expected to present a mix of her own hits and a selection of timeless classics from the Arabic repertoire.

This year’s edition carries special weight: it marks two decades since Mawazine began. What started as a local initiative has grown into one of the most respected and wide-reaching music festivals in the Arab world. 

Over the past twenty years, the event has become a major platform for celebrating artistic diversity, bringing together international acts and regional voices in one vibrant space

The opening ceremony is expected to draw a wide audience, including artists, cultural figures, and music lovers from across the country. 

The atmosphere promises to be lively and emotional, an evening that blends nostalgia, celebration, and anticipation for what’s to come.

Carmen Suleiman’s performance tonight sets the tone for this milestone edition. Her presence speaks to the festival’s ongoing commitment to spotlighting both rising and established talent from across the Arab world. 

For Rabat, it’s another reminder of its place as a capital of culture, one that continues to host major events with global reach and local heart.

As Mawazine turns twenty, the festival is raising the curtain on a new chapter. And tonight, Carmen Suleiman leads the way.