Marrakech dances to the Afro-Moroccan beats

MARRAKECH – Three squares of Morocco’s ochre city saw Sunday night several performances of folklore troupes from across all the regions of the North African kingdom as part of the 52nd edition of the National Popular Arts Festival.

The Jemaa El Fna Square was again the scene of a mosaic show of several troupes, including Aabidate Rma, Ahwach Tidili and Dakka Marrakchiya.

The show culminated with “Momar and Afro Band Fusion” African troupe as part of the festival’s diversification strategy to attract more audience and break out from the routine.

Few hundred metres away, The Harti Square in the heart of Gueliz was a vibrant as the Jemaa El Fna Square with Laabat, Tkitikat, al Hassada and Ahwach Assa Zag among others.

Laabat, a female troupe had the crowd dancing on their feet thanks to their beats and chants.

“I really enjoyed watching the troupes. It shows that Morocco is a truly rich country artistically and culturally,” said Francoise, a French tourist spending her weekend in Marrakech.

Salma, a 24-year-old Marrakchi, said that she is a regular in the festival.

“Every year, I come and watch the troupes here in Harti square. We are lucky the shows are held at night because the temperature is just unbearable,” said Salma.

Moroccan singer Ghany Kabbadj was the last artist to perform at the Harti Square before an electrifying crowd that was singing and dancing with him.

“Kabbadj clearly knows how to make the crowd interact with him thanks to his humbleness,” said one of his fans.

“Do you know any Moroccan stars who invite their fans to dance and sing with them on the stage?” she asked.

Not far from the posh Hivernage neighbourhood, Moulay Hassan esplanade saw performances from Gnaoua, Reggada, Tabbala, Ait Bouguemmaz…

The festival is organised by the Grand Atlas association in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication June 22-26.