The Chellah Jazz Festival returns for its 26th edition

Talented European and Moroccan artists will perform in an exceptional historical and musical environment, in the ornate Chellah district of Rabat, presenting a variety of sounds and atmospheres that merge to transcend borders.

The Chellah Jazz Festival will take place from May 10 to 12, 2024.

In this twenty-sixth edition, the Jazz au Chellah Festival adorns itself with its spring colors and makes the diversity of artistic and cultural expressions a universal language of feeling, participation and peace.

The chosen dates, from 10 to 12 May, were grafted – like a hymn to joy and dialogue – onto Europe Day, celebrated on 9 May. This date marks the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration of 1950, in which Robert Schuman shared his vision of making war between nations henceforth unthinkable.

Diversity and dialogue between peoples

The European Union Ambassador to Morocco, Patricia Lombart-Cossack, said: “The world needs strong messages and concrete actions in favor of peace and understanding between peoples.” This is the symbolism we want to give to this edition of the Chellah Jazz Festival, which takes place in turbulent times. She says music is a perfect example of how to promote diversity and enrich dialogue between people. The harmony and precious moments of union at this festival – which aims to be an ode to the fusion between European jazz and Moroccan music – admirably embodies the partnership between Morocco and the European Union, especially in its humanitarian and cultural dimensions.

This edition’s lineup includes musical moments from popular artists, including:

Markus Stockhausen, German trumpeter, will transcend jazz styles to explore unexpected soundscapes. He will be accompanied by musician and poet Aziz Al-Sahmawi. Their compositions will be infused with the rich and captivating tones of Moroccan music.

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Sarab, French in origin, will combine the madness of jazz, rock and oriental lyricism. The talented qanun player Heba Makkawi will add her touch to this project that has no limits.

Daniel Garcia, the talented Spanish pianist, will present us with bold music that mixes flamenco, electro, rock and Cuban music. On stage, he will meet the oud magician Idris Al-Maloumi, who specializes in oriental and Berber melodies.

Inspired by Edvard Munch, the MUNSCH Trio will transform inner screams into melodies and atmospheres. With the Urban Folklore Ensemble, their compositions will be imbued with the scent of urban music and Moroccan folklore.

Composed of modern jazz, Swedish folk and the captivating voice of Inuit singer Lena Willemark, the Elise Einarsdottir Ensemble will harmoniously combine modern jazz and traditional Swedish music. The quintet will meet Zahra Regragui, a percussionist, to color their musical journey with warm Moroccan rhythms.

The Italians from JEMM will provide festive music creating an exceptional atmosphere for the live experience. JEMM will be accompanied by the teacher Mokhtar Jania, younger brother of the late Mahmoud Jania and his two sons Houssem and Hamza Jania to conclude this edition with a strong tribute to this great teacher of Essaouira.

Also in the program: advanced lessons for musicians and singers, which will be presented by: Clemen Zerkan, singer of the Sarab group; Aziz Sahmaoui, Gnawa singer, multi-instrumentalist, trombonist and composer Adrien Lambinet.

SALT will perform a concert in the streets of Rabat, with jazz melodies fusing swing, Latin, ska and cajun, imbued with the joy of life.

The Chellah Jazz Festival is an initiative of the European Union in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the Rabat-Salé-Kenitra Province and the Rabat Historical Heritage Region.