The final night of Jazzablanca 2025 delivered bold cross-cultural collaborations that lit up stages across Casablanca.
Fez– The 18th edition of Jazzablanca wrapped up Saturday night in Casablanca, ending on an electrifying note that mirrored the diversity and energy of the city itself.
A packed crowd, a fusion of generations, and a series of unforgettable performances turned the final night into a powerful celebration of rhythm, soul, and connection.
One of the most anticipated moments came early in the evening when two Gnaoua giants, Mehdi Nassouli and Hamid El Kasri, took to the stage together.
It wasn’t just a performance, it was a dialogue between master and disciple, between tradition and evolution.
Nassouli, who has long cited El Kasri as his mentor, joined him in a performance that blended their signature “guembri” beats with rich, resonant vocals, weaving a spell over the audience from the very first note.
Just when the crowd thought it couldn’t get any better, Moroccan diva Oum stepped in, adding her magnetic voice and contemporary flair to the stage.
Then came a soulful twist: Bilal Sayeed Oliver, the American legend known for his gospel and neo-soul roots, joined the ensemble.
Together, the four artists created a once-in-a-lifetime performance, a daring mix of Gnaoua, soul, jazz, and experimental rhythms that felt both ancient and futuristic.
It was a standout moment that perfectly captured what Jazzablanca is all about.
Meanwhile, across town at the Anfa Park stage, the mood shifted, but the energy stayed sky-high.
American rapper Macklemore, full of charisma and stage presence, made a thunderous entrance to roaring applause.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment all year!” he shouted, and the audience responded with a wave of cheers that set the tone for the rest of the night.
From “Thrift Shop” and “Wings” to “Downtown” and “I Wanna Be Free”, Macklemore delivered a high-energy set that danced between party anthems and raw introspection.
With every lyric and gesture, he was fully present, feeding off the crowd’s energy and giving it right back. It was the kind of concert people talk about for years.
Over on the 21 Stage, the party continued with a completely different kind of heat. Congolese band Jupiter & Okwess, led by the inimitable Jupiter Bokondji, delivered a riot of sound: a bold mix of rock, funk, and traditional Central African rhythms that had the audience on their feet and in constant motion.
It was wild, joyful, and deeply rooted in the energy of Kinshasa.
And at the “Nafas Jadid” stage in the Arab League Park, rising Moroccan star Soukaina Fahssi captivated the crowd with her haunting voice and luminous presence.
Her performance was a reminder that the future of Moroccan music is in good hands: confident, rooted, and ready for the world.
Between spiritual fusion, bold experimentation, and unforgettable stage chemistry, Jazzablanca 2025 closed with a powerful message: Casablanca isn’t just a city with a music scene, it’s a city where music becomes a language of global exchange.
This year’s edition was a vivid reminder of how far rhythm can travel when tradition meets innovation, and local talent stands shoulder to shoulder with international legends.
