Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 1:26 p.m.
— Par Manal KOUBIA —
Rabat – Celebrating the universality of African song with its Afro-fusion, the Nigerian artist Burna Boy made the audience of the OLM Souissi stage dance on Wednesday in Rabat to captivating rhythms mixing rap, Reggae-Dancehall, R&B and afrobeat.
Revisiting traditional African sounds, the Nigerian artist charmed the audience at the 19th edition of the Mawazine- Rythmes du Monde Festival with his charisma and his ability to communicate positive energy through committed songs, carrying heavy messages, on a background rather catchy musical, thus captivating their attention throughout his concert.
Winner of a Grammy Award for his fifth album “Twice As Tall” and taking Bob Marley, King Suny ADE and Fela Kuti as references, Burna Boy proved once again, on the OLM Souissi stage, that African music is quite malleable and capable of accommodating a variety of musical styles, making him a model of artistic success at all levels.
Always connected to his audience, the Nigerian artist was warmly acclaimed by music lovers and enthusiasts of African music, won over by the performance of the one who succeeded in bringing to the forefront of the African and international scene, the causes of an entire continent.
During his concert, Burna Boy worked to bring Western musical instruments such as the saxophone into dialogue with African percussion, causing a sensation with an enthusiastic audience.
Savoring each of the singer’s songs from “City Boys”, “Last Last” and “Common Person”, the Festival audience did not hesitate for a single second to join this talented artist to sing along to his most famous songs. titles which brilliantly combine English and certain African languages.
Putting Africa on the roof of the world with his originality and unique style, the winner of the Best International Artist award at the BET Awards four times in a row, transported festival-goers into a universe beyond time and borders, making his music a common language which advocates love, fraternity and living together.
Both raw and subtle in his way of communicating the themes that are close to his heart, Burna Boy delighted his many Moroccan and foreign fans who came to attend this breathtaking celebration of African art.
Honoring the continent from which he comes, Burna Boy, masterfully celebrated during his concert at the OLM Souissi, is a symbol for all those who have dreams and who want to engrave their names with indelible ink on the pages of the History of World Music.
Born in Port Harcourt in southern Nigeria, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, known professionally as Burna Boy, is a singer and songwriter who rose to fame in 2012, after releasing “Like to Party”, the lead single from his debut studio album LIFE (2013).
He is mainly characterized by his unique style and his vast musical culture, inherited from his grandfather Benson Idonije, manager of the famous Nigerian musician Fela Kuti.
Placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the 19th edition of the Mawazine- Rythmes du Monde Festival (June 21-29) is organized by the Maroc Cultures Association, under the sign of “diversity and celebration” .
An unmissable event for music lovers and enthusiasts in Morocco, this artistic event is considered among the largest cultural events in the world, offering a rich and demanding program that mixes the biggest stars of the world and Arab repertoire, making the cities of Rabat and Salé the scene of exceptional encounters between the public and renowned artists.
