Marrakech – The vibrant city of Agadir is set to host the 20th edition of the Timitar Festival – Signs & Cultures from December 17-19, bringing together a rich blend of Amazigh, African, Arabic, Mediterranean, and global music across three festive nights.

The festival, free and open to the public, marks two decades since its founding in 2004 and coincides with the leadup to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will also feature several matches in Agadir.

The festival will feature over 20 musical and vocal performances spanning pop, rap, orchestral music and a strong dose of Moroccan and Amazigh music. Organizers aim to create an immersive experience combining music, culture, and the excitement of the African football championship

The opening night on December 17 will celebrate African music with performances from Fatima Tabaamrant, the iconic Amazigh singer from Souss, Alpha Blondy the legendary Ivorian reggae artist, Shan’L the Gabonese afro-pop star, Krys M a rising afro-pop talent from Cameroon, Isabel Novella blending soul, jazz, and tradition, Ahwach Bnat Louz x Raskas presenting creative Amazigh rhythms, and Hicham Massine offering a tribute to the late Ammouri M’barek.

The second night on December 18 will focus on Eastern and Mediterranean fusion featuring Wegz the leading Egyptian rap and trap artist, Double Zuksh the Egyptian hip-hop and mahraganat collective, Izenzaren the legendary Amazigh band from Souss, and Marwa Nagy performing a special tribute to classic Arabic music with the Hicham Telmoudi Orchestra. 

AZA will bring a modern Amazigh-inspired sound blending North African and contemporary styles.

The final night on December 19 will highlight Moroccan roots and new sounds with performances from Ahwach Aglagal, a traditional group from the Anti-Atlas, Khalid Al Waabani blending tradition and modernity, Nacim Haddad an emerging voice in Moroccan aïta music, Jaylann the Moroccan pop artist known for multilingual songs, the DJ collective SODFA mixing house, electronic and local sounds, and Labess an Algerian gypsy-chaâbi fusion band closing the festival.

Concerts will take place each evening starting at 6 p.m. at Place Al Amal, the recently revamped central square, and the Théâtre de Verdure, a restored open-air theater ideal for live performance and broadcast recording. Organizers emphasize that this edition will promote cultural dialogue connecting Amazigh heritage with global music styles while celebrating African unity ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.