Brahim El Mazned, Founder and Director of Visa for Music, highlighted the international scope of the festival during its opening ceremony on Wednesday in Rabat.
“This year, we have more than 60 bands coming from around 35 countries and 1,000 delegates from around 80 countries,” he told BarlamanToday.
In addition to music performances, the festival is also hosting “many debates, conferences, and meetings between professionals and artists,” he said.
Moroccan Amazigh band Tasuta N-Imal (“Next Generation”) kicked off day one of the festival, energizing the audience with its unique blend of traditional Amazigh music and rock.
Cape Verde’s Ferro Gaita group followed with an exhilarating performance that kept the crowd on its feet. Known for its old-school sound, the members performed with the same high energy they had in the late 90’s.
Soon after, cheering crowds and music enthusiasts of all nationalities abandoned their seats and stood up to dance together to songs of all languages, embodying the festival’s core value of celebrating cultures from all over the globe.
After a short break, Cameroon’s Valerie Ekoume concluded day one of Visa for Music with an energetic afromusic performance, which combines her wide vocal range and strong stage presence for a satisfying conclusion to the Grand Theatre section of the first day of the festival.
Rabat’s historic castle, known as Chellah, hosted the after-party yesterday evening. Its ancient floor vibrated to the beat of three artists: RJ Kanierra, Omary, and Monile.
Although the crowd was smaller, it was much more responsive and active. El Mazned welcomed the guests, who included both music fans and artists, and thanked everyone for what had been a successful opening day for his festival.
Visa for Music is taking place in various venues across Rabat from November 20 to 23.