For the months of January, February and March, the Al Mada Foundation offers to discover a rich and varied cultural program combining exhibitions, concerts, educational workshops and literary meetings. Here are the outlines!
The Al Mada Foundation has just unveiled its new cultural programming for the months of January, February and March. On the menu, several events will enliven the Villas des arts in Rabat and Casablanca. Starting with Fatna Gbouri’s exhibition “Major Works 1982 – 1990”, scheduled from January 21 to March 31, 2025 at Villa des arts in Casablanca. “This exhibition highlights the period which extends from 1982 to 1990 during which Fatna Gbouri became aware of her talent and became part of the singular art movement, a movement sometimes referred to as post-art. raw,” we read in a presentation note. The Villa des arts in Rabat welcomes “Three continents, three views.
A dialogue between three cultures”, an exhibition, according to the organizers, highlighting the work of three photographers from rich and varied cultures. This artistic event transcends borders and celebrates diversity through the lens of three talented photographers: Amine Kabbage (Morocco), Sho Sato (Japan) and Dolores Vukanovic (Serbia, currently living in Istanbul, Turkey). “This exhibition symbolizes a dialogue between three photographic universes. Each artist shares their cultural heritage and personal perspective, creating a rich and moving visual mosaic. The space of the Villa, with its architecture and its history, becomes an ideal setting for this meeting.”
Several concerts and shows
The Al Mada Foundation is organizing around ten concerts by several groups, such as the “Araw N Fazaz” concert scheduled for January 10 at the Villa des arts in Rabat. “For years, Léo Fabre-Cartier, French oud player, has been working alongside lotar master Younes Baami in Khénifra, a young virtuoso and disciple of the great Mohammed Rouicha. From this meeting was born Araw N Fazaz, a new face of Amazigh song from the Middle Atlas. Accompanied by musicians from Khenifra and presenting a repertoire of songs composed by Younes Baami, Araw N Fazaz gives us the opportunity to (re)discover this extraordinary music.”
The public will be there with theatrical improvisation with the TIM troupe, on January 17, February 13, March 20, 2025 at Villa des arts in Rabat. TIM is a team of experienced improvisation theater actors who have come together under the national emblem to offer professional shows full of color and emotion. The troupe experiments with different facets of improvisation in each show, alternating between matches, improvisation cabarets, improvised pieces and new concepts. TIM also represents Morocco at international meetings, festivals and tournaments. Also on the program is the concert “Zougaa: The energy of Afro-Fusion”, scheduled for January 24 at the Villa des arts in Rabat. Singer, songwriter and musician, Zougaa is a passionate artist who embodies the essence of Afro-Fusion, blending traditional African and Cameroonian rhythms and contemporary influences. His music transcends borders, celebrating cultural diversity and the universality of emotions. The public will have the opportunity to discover Xavier Cobo’s Jazz concert. Saxophonist Xavier Cobo is one of the best saxophonists-flautists of his generation, he played all over the world for 20 years in the orchestra of one of the greatest jazz organists in the world, Eddy Louiss.
Presentation of several books
The Al Mada Foundation organizes several meetings and book presentations such as “Paradoxical Pleasure – Writings on the Visual Arts in Morocco” by Youssef Wahboune. This work will be presented on Thursday January 9, 2025 at Villa des arts in Rabat and Thursday February 20, 2025 at Villa des arts in Casablanca. In this new work, whose cover reproduces a screenshot of a spectacular video performance by contemporary artist Youness Atbane, Youssef Wahboun offers a selection of his art critical texts. It takes a look, as inspired as it is scholarly, on the work and experience of major artists such as Hassan Hajjaj, Mohamed Hamidi, Amina Rezki, Abderrahim Yamou and Bouchta El Hayani. Also on the program, the presentation of the book “Cities and villages Morocco” with Mouna Hachim, on Thursday January 16, 2025 at Villa des arts in Casablanca.
Cities and Villages of Morocco by Mouna Hachim is a book that delves into the history, culture and identity of Moroccan cities and villages. Through an erudite and passionate approach, the author explores the origins of the names of localities in Morocco, revealing forgotten stories, legends, and traces of ancient civilizations. This book stands out for its blend of history, geography, and cultural anecdotes, allowing the reader to better understand the rich Moroccan heritage. Each town or village name is dissected to reveal its secrets, whether linguistic, historical or social. Mouna Hachim, with her accessible pen and her deep respect for Moroccan heritage, invites you on a journey through time and space, highlighting little-known aspects of collective memory. It is a valuable work for anyone interested in the identity and cultural diversity of Morocco, enriched with extensive research and a palpable love for the subject.
