The upcoming Otium Music Festival, which is set to take place on June 9 and 10, promises an amazing experience for its audience with a variety of stage shows and performances at the picturesque Taghazout beach.

Otium Festival Unites Music Lovers in Morocco’s Stunning Taghazout Bay

Rabat – The upcoming Otium Music Festival, which is set to take place on June 9 and 10, promises an amazing experience for its audience with a variety of stage shows and performances at the picturesque Taghazout beach.

This two-day extravaganza will bring together a diverse lineup of artists from around the globe, showcasing their talents and delivering an eclectic blend of house, techno, afro-house, and Latin-inspired house music.

Morocco World News interviewed the Creative Project Manager and festival’s founder, Isabella Van Cortlandt Kelly, who shared her insights into the festival’s lineup and the inspiration behind its creation.

The festival aims to create an intimate experience for electronic music enthusiasts, providing them with an opportunity to explore the renowned Taghazout Bay region of Morocco, a premier destination for surfing and eco-tourism that serves as an ideal backdrop for the festival.

The carefully curated lineup showcases a mix of established artists and up-and-coming talents in the electronic music scene, including Marco Carola, Eli Brown, Franky Rizardo Maz, Earth n Days, and Calussa.

The festival organizers emphasize their selection process, highlighting their focus on artists who are not only talented but also deeply engaged with their communities, sharing the festival’s mission to unite people through music.

From Sunrise to Sunset

Attendees can look forward to a balanced blend of daytime and nighttime experiences. During the day, local excursions will offer opportunities for yoga, surfing, and exploration of the region’s natural wonders. As the sun sets, the evening will come alive with celebrations as electronic artists take the stage on the renowned Taghazout beach.

To enrich the overall live experience, the festival will also showcase art installations, display Moroccan handicrafts, and serve a selection of culinary specialties and beverages derived from local products. Additionally, an exclusive VIP lounge will provide high-end spaces for those seeking a more luxurious experience.

Morocco’s Enigmatic Charm: Inspiring the Birth of Otium Music Festival

Speaking about the festival’s origins, Isabella Kelly expressed her profound love for Morocco and the inspiration it ignited within her. She was captivated by the kindness, humanity, and cultural richness of the country, as well as its stunning natural beauty.

Together with co-founder Ismail Boudrar, Isabella created the Otium Festival with the vision of immersing attendees in the extraordinary world of Taghazout Bay, creating unforgettable memories and a sense of adventure.

The festival organizers aim to build a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who will return year after year, fostering connections and authentic experiences. They encourage attendees to embrace their true selves and come as they are, creating an atmosphere of openness and acceptance.

When deciding on a location for the Otium Music Festival the festival’s founders, Isabella Kelly and Ismail Boudrar selected Taghazout Bay as the ultimate backdrop.

Explaining their decision, Kelly expressed, “It took us a long time to decide where we wanted to host Otium. It had to be a place that embodies the same values we hold. We were looking for a spot that offered adventure, hospitality, and showcased the cultural richness of Morocco.” Boudrar, who grew up surfing in Taghazout Bay, had a personal connection to the area, making it an even more compelling choice.

The organizers aspire to provide a transformative experience for people from around the world and across Morocco, encouraging them to explore and create unforgettable memories in this extraordinary region. By bringing renowned artists to perform in Taghazout, many of whom will be visiting Morocco for the first time, Otium aims to introduce festival-goers to the charm and allure of the area.

From a business perspective, the organizers have been fortunate to receive support from stakeholders, partners, and government agencies, including Visit Morocco and the Wilaya of Agadir. This collaboration has made it possible to hold Otium in Taghazout. Moreover, the existing tourism infrastructure and the high standard of hospitality in the area make Taghazout an ideal destination to host both domestic and international festival tourists.

Promoting Local Culture and Community in Taghazout Bay

Throughout the planning process, the Otium team has worked closely with locals to ensure the representation of Amazigh culture. From incorporating the Amazigh language on signs to featuring local crafts and art installations to celebrate and showcase the cultural heritage of the area.

The festival has also provided a platform for Amazigh musicians to perform on both days, highlighting their unique musical expressions.

The festival lineup features Moroccan artists including Zakem, Kawtar Sadik, and Simo Jettou.

To create an immersive experience, the festival has partnered with local food vendors in Taghazout. Working closely with restaurant owners, the organizers have curated special menus that reflect the region’s culinary treasures.

Future Plans for the Otium Festival

The organizers see the inaugural Otium Music Festival as just the beginning of a much larger journey. They are committed to expanding and enhancing the Otium experience each year.

With future plans including more stages, extending the festival to three days, and bringing in internationally acclaimed artists who have never performed in Morocco, Otium aims to continually captivate both international and Moroccan music lovers.

The organizers are dedicated to showcasing the wonders of Taghazout Bay and firmly believe that Otium is an event that is uniquely designed to flourish in Morocco.

Otium’s organizer

Creative Project Manager and festival’s co-founder Isabella Van Cortlandt Kelly

Driven by a passion for uniting people through the power of music,Isabella Kelly founded Kingdom of Mind in 2018 to provide event services and promotions. Kelly’s extensive work experience includes notable stints at Warner Brothers Records, Live Nation Entertainment, and Insomniac Events.

Throughout her career, she has spearheaded project teams across the United States and Asia, overseeing a wide array of creative endeavors in the entertainment industry, ranging from music festivals and art installations to film shoots and live events.

Reflecting on her journey, Kelly shares, “I believe each experience gets you ready for the next. I’ve learned from all of my projects and have been fortunate to play a part in the operation of some of the largest festivals, such as Coachella and Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC).”

“Kingdom of Mind is delighted to expand into Morocco with the inauguration of the Otium Destination Music Festival. Using a project management approach, a well-organized and managed festival will be delivered, offering an unforgettable weekend in Taghazout Bay to music lovers from around the world,” the festival’s organizers said.