Meknes — Lebanese singer Wael Jassar took center stage Friday evening at the sixth edition of the “Issawa: Maqams and World Rhythms Festival,” captivating thousands of spectators with a performance that blended timeless Arabic classics with his signature romantic repertoire.
Performing at the iconic Bab Mansour Square, Jassar treated festivalgoers to many of his best-loved songs, drawing enthusiastic applause and singalongs throughout an evening that ranked among the festival’s biggest attractions.
His warm stage presence and unmistakable voice transformed the historic square into a celebration of tarab, with fans filling the venue well before the concert began.
A celebration of heritage and contemporary music
Jassar’s appearance highlighted the festival’s ambition to bring together Morocco’s rich Issawa heritage and leading voices from across the Arab music scene.
Held from July 22 to 25, the festival features more than 55 Issawa brotherhoods and over 1,000 moqaddems and maalems alongside renowned Moroccan and international artists. Concerts, spiritual performances, exhibitions, workshops, and academic discussions are taking place across several of Meknes’ historic landmarks, turning the imperial city into a vibrant celebration of music and culture.
This year’s lineup also includes Asma Lmnawar, Amine Boudchart, Dounia Batma, Zouhair Bahaoui, Zakaria Ghafouli, and Ibtissam Tiskat, reflecting the festival’s commitment to presenting diverse musical traditions while remaining rooted in the spiritual legacy of the Issawa brotherhood.
Music echoes through Bab Mansour
As night fell over Meknes, Bab Mansour Square became the heart of the festival. Families, young music lovers, and visitors from across Morocco gathered to enjoy an evening where Lebanese romance met the historic atmosphere of one of the country’s most celebrated public spaces.
For many in attendance, Wael Jassar’s concert was a reminder that the Issawa Festival has grown into one of Morocco’s leading cultural events, creating space for dialogue between centuries-old traditions and contemporary Arab music while celebrating the enduring power of live performance.
