Rabat – Mawazine, Rythmes du Monde, will return for its 21st edition from June 19 to 27, 2026, organizers from Maroc Cultures Association have announced, confirming another nine-day celebration of global and regional music in Morocco’s capital region.
One of the headline acts for the opening day will be French rapper Ninho, who is set to perform at the OLM Souissi stage in Rabat. Known for a series of chart-topping projects including Comme prévu, Destin, and Jefe, Ninho is one of the most-streamed figures in French rap and holds records for the number of certified tracks in the genre.
Since its creation in 2001 under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, Mawazine has grown into one of the region’s largest music festivals. Each year, it brings together international, Arab, and African artists across multiple stages in Rabat and Salé, transforming the two cities into a major cultural hub for nearly a week.
The festival is known for its wide-ranging programming, which combines global headliners with regional talent, attracting large audiences and positioning Rabat as a key destination on the international festival circuit.
As it prepares for its 21st edition, Mawazine continues to draw both anticipation and debate over its artistic direction and organization. While discussions persist around balancing global appeal with local cultural identity, the festival remains a major fixture in Morocco’s cultural calendar and a significant platform for international music performances in the region.
The 20th edition of the Mawazine attracted around 3.75 million attendees, who gathered to watch performances by more than 100 artists from across the globe. Over nine days, from June 20 to 28, Rabat and Salé were transformed into a major stage for live music and cultural performances.
