A Vibrant Start to Jazzablanca’s 18th Edition
Jazzablanca kicked off its 18th edition with a lively opening day on Thursday at Anfa Park, drawing music lovers into a warm and inviting atmosphere filled with food stalls, chill-out zones, and a vibrant creators’ market. The first night of the ten-day celebration concluded in a spectacular manner with British soul icon Seal headlining the main stage, following captivating performances by Hindi Zahra and Cuban jazz ensemble El Comité.
Now in its 18th edition, Jazzablanca has become a standout event of summers in Casablanca. For the first time in its history, the festival spans ten days, featuring two spectacular music weekends. The first weekend began early in Casablanca, with Thursday, July 3, marking the start of the festivities at the Jazzablanca Village.
The festival village attracted a diverse crowd, including friends, families with young children, couples of all ages, and colleagues. Many attendees arrived as early as 6 PM, eager to experience the full range of what the village had to offer.
A World of Entertainment and Connection
As visitors entered the festival gates, they were greeted by entertainment everywhere. A food court offered a variety of delicacies to satisfy every taste and craving. There was also a pop-up market for local designers, gaming stands, and multiple chill zones with seating and beanbags on the grass—ideal for taking a break between concerts.
Attendees described the festival as more than just about the music. One regular visitor shared, “It’s about the great vibes.” She mentioned that this was her fourth time attending Jazzablanca and expressed excitement about seeing Seu Jorge, the Brazilian singer-songwriter expected to perform later in the week.
Other attendees came from far away, such as South African sisters who chose Jazzablanca because of Ibrahim Maalouf’s performance and their love for jazz in Morocco. Their trip was also a birthday gift, as one of them celebrated her 50th birthday with her sister. They both shared how jazz is a significant part of life in South Africa, where they are from.
For another group of young attendees, the highlight of the festival was the Black Eyed Peas. They were already lined up in front of the Village’s big Scene ahead of Moroccan star Hindi Zahra’s show. They praised the atmosphere, noting that it was well-organized and had a village vibe where people could reconnect, meet old friends, and enjoy the experience.
Where Music Meets Makers
For those interested in shopping, the creators’ market at the heart of the Jazzablanca Festival Village showcased a vibrant array of Moroccan brands and entrepreneurs. Among the participants were best friends Yousra and Houria, co-founders of HaïHaïVintage from Marrakech. Their brand started as a story of friendship, and they sell curated vintage pieces mainly online. This was their first time at the festival, as they wanted to connect with a different audience than usual.
Another participant, Be the Artisan, blends heritage and innovation through artisanal kits that promote Moroccan craftsmanship. Founder Zakaria Loulidy explained that each kit is a semi-finished piece completed by the buyer following a guide from a master artisan.
Kenza Alaoui, founder of Kenza Klay, brought her hand-sculpted clay jewelry to Jazzablanca. This was her third time at the festival, and she loved the new space she was in. She noted that Jazzablanca is perfect for her clientele, who appreciate bold and unique jewelry.
A Night of Musical Excellence
While many enjoyed the market, games, and food, Cuban jazz was filling the air, echoing through the village and into the ears of the buzzing crowd. El Comité, a Cuban-formed Latin jazz ensemble, had the crowd moving with a high-energy mix of Afrobeat, funk, montuno, bolero, traditional jazz, and even Gnaoua fusion with Maâlem Khalid Sansi.
Hindi Zahra followed with a performance that blended Amazigh sounds with jazz, singing in Tamazight, English, and Darija. Her set included newer and older songs, opening with Gnaoua-inspired rhythms before launching into her classics. The crowd sang along to “Imik Si Mik” and danced to “Beautiful Tango,” with a real couple performing tango on stage in a touching tribute to her loyal fans.
After a brief break, it was time for the long-awaited headliner, Seal. He launched the show with “All I Know Is Now,” then switched to French with “Comment ça va tout le monde?” The crowd roared, chanting his name. He treated them to both new material and timeless hits, including “Kiss from a Rose” and “Bring It On.”
Seal ended his show in spectacular fashion, with white confetti raining down on the crowd, marking a festive goodbye and the perfect wrap-up to Jazzablanca’s opening day.