Rabat: opening with great fanfare of the Visa for Music 2024 festival

The 11th edition of the Visa for Music festival opened on Wednesday November 20 with a colorful and musical urban parade in the streets of Rabat. The opening ceremony began at the Mohammed V theater with speeches by Brahim El Meznad, founder of the festival, Younes Boumehdi, president of the Hiba Foundation, and Mehdi Bensaïd, Minister of Culture.

Then on to the stage. First with the group Tasuta N-Imal, made up of six young musicians from Ouarzazate, who electrified the audience with their Amazigh blues. The relay was taken over by Ferro Gaita, a Cape Verdean duo who immersed the audience in the captivating rhythms of the islands. Franco-Cameroonian singer Valérie Ekoume concluded the evening in style, charming the audience with her soulful voice.

The rest of the program, this Thursday, November 21, features artists like Aicha Traore, Syna Awel, The Two and NOON, who will perform on the various stages of the capital. Other concerts are also planned later in the evening as part of the “Afters at Chellah”, a big novelty for this 11th edition of Visa for Music.

The milestone of the second decade

After the milestone of the anniversary edition of 2023, this 11th edition aims to be a new page. “You must not go faster than the music. It is music that imposes its rhythm to guide society, and Visa for Music is entering its second decade, that of acceleration», Commented the Minister of Culture in his speech.

Read also: Visa For Music 2024: here is the complete list of selected artists

Since its creation in 2014, Visa for Music was intended to be more than a music festival, a crossroads for artists, producers and music industry professionals on the continent. With 80 participating countries, including more than 35 present on stage, this edition testifies to a growing enthusiasm for this event which stands out as a true showcase of African musical diversity.

«Combining art and networking, this unique event, which goes beyond linguistic and cultural borders, allows us to contribute to the influence of the African music scene on an international scale.», welcomed Brahim El Meznad. “After ten years of success, Visa for Music is setting ever more ambitious goals. We are committed to continuing to offer a quality platform to artists and music professionals in Africa.»he concludes.