The Lebanese singer made a memorable Mawazine debut with a heartfelt performance at the Mohammed V Theatre.
Fez– On Saturday night, the velvet-voiced Lebanese singer Ziad Bourji lit up the Mohammed V National Theatre with his signature blend of heartfelt lyrics and magnetic charm.
It was his first-ever performance at Mawazine, and judging by the electric atmosphere, it definitely won’t be his last.
The concert kicked off with a wave of emotion as Bourji greeted the crowd, visibly moved by the warm welcome.
The venue was packed, buzzing with anticipation. Fans erupted in cheers and applause even before the first note rang out, and once he started singing, the entire theater seemed to melt into one collective voice.
It was less of a concert and more of a love letter, one sung in harmony by an artist and his fiercely loyal audience.
Over the course of 90 unforgettable minutes, Bourji took everyone on a journey of melody and nostalgia. From his hits “El Youm Youmi,” “Ana Wiyak,” “Shou Helou,”* and “Halyani” to timeless classics like Fairuz’s “Nassam Alayna El Hawa” and Dalida’s “Ya Baladi,” the setlist was a carefully curated emotional rollercoaster.
The crowd sang along to every word, as if rehearsed, as if these songs were etched into their memories.
What made the night special wasn’t just the music, it was the connection. Bourji paused multiple times to express his joy at finally performing in Rabat, visibly touched by the energy in the room.
And just when the emotions couldn’t get any higher, he hoisted the Moroccan flag onto his shoulders, triggering another round of ecstatic cheers and, you guessed it, “zaghareet”.
His voice, smooth and emotionally charged, flowed effortlessly across the theatre. Each lyric landed with precision, weaving romance, nostalgia, and joy into the air.
Even his renditions of the Arab musical greats felt deeply personal, as if he were inviting the audience into his own memories.
This was a night where music became the common language between an artist and his admirers, where national borders disappeared in the presence of art, and where the theatre became a sanctuary of emotion.
Mawazine’s 20th edition is currently lighting up both Rabat and Sale from June 20 to 28. With a diverse lineup of global and Arab stars, it promises unforgettable nights of music.
Organized by Maroc Cultures since 2001, the festival continues to grow as a cultural powerhouse, drawing millions and earning its spot as the second-largest music festival in the world.
And if Ziad Bourji’s performance is anything to go by, this year is already legendary.
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