Marrakech – The inaugural Fusion Show Ayta D’Bladi kicked off on Thursday yesterday evening at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Complex, drawing a large and energetic crowd.
The opening night featured two original duos. Khadija Merghoum and Ihab Amir presented Ayta L’Ghzal, merging the cheikha’s refined vocal mastery with Amir’s modern style.
Their performance was warmly received, with the audience applauding this refreshing reinterpretation of a classic.
The second duo, Hajib and Douzi, delivered a dynamic rendition of “Ayta L’Aamala,” sparking long ovations. Spectators danced and sang, celebrating a version that stayed true to the song’s essence while embracing contemporary rhythm.
Solo performances followed, beginning with Ihab Amir, who blended his own hits with chaâbi titles. His set drew enthusiastic reactions, with the crowd chanting along.
Khadija Merghoum stayed faithful to her traditional register, transporting listeners through an authentic journey into Aïta, punctuated by spontaneous chants and “youyous” from the stands.
Douzi’s arrival marked another highlight of the evening. Performing fan favorites such as “Ana Maghrabi,” “Lalla Meryama,” and “Laayoune Aniya,” he turned the venue into a festive dance floor.
The night closed with a vibrant set from Hajib, who revisited iconic songs from Morocco’s musical heritage in a warm and engaging ambiance.
Speaking to MAP, Ihab Amir said the experience allowed him to immerse himself in the Aïta repertoire alongside an established artist, noting that this highly-structured style, rooted in his hometown of Safi, requires particular vocal command.
He expressed his hope of offering audiences an interpretation faithful to the tradition.
Khadija Merghoum described Aïta as “a refined and precious art,” welcoming the growing interest younger artists are showing in this genre.
She emphasized the need to preserve its authenticity and continue passing it on to new generations.
For his part, Douzi said the project presented a true artistic challenge, as it marked his first exploration of Aïta.
He mentioned Hajib’s guidance and the collaborative spirit behind the show, adding that such fusions are essential to bringing this heritage closer to today’s audiences.
Hajib highlighted the deep historical and social significance of Aïta, calling it a living archive of popular memory. He commended Douzi for successfully taking on a demanding repertoire rooted in the Abda tribes.
The Fusion Show Ayta D’Bladi will continue until November 15, featuring artists such as Abdelaziz Stati, Ibtissam Tiskat, Daoudi, Manal Benchlikha, Hamid Kasri, Zina Daoudia, Abidine, and Rajaa Belmir. The program will explore new fusions mixing Aïta with pop, gnawa, and chaâbi.
Alongside the performances, a museographic exhibition at the Mohammed V Complex offers visitors an immersive look into the history, key figures, and regional schools of Aïta, allowing both enthusiasts and newcomers to explore this intangible Moroccan heritage.
