The 16th edition of the Atlantic Andalusia Festival in Essaouira will take place from October 31-November 3, 2019 in the heart of old Mogador. This three-day Moroccan musical event will feature 15 musical acts, performed by Muslim and Jewish musicians attracting festival-goers from around the world. The spirit of the festival celebrates the musical roots of Andalusia with performances deeply rooted in the history and stories of Judeo-Arabic cultures.
The 16th edition’s theme Living Together is a tribute to women. It aims to help echo Jewish-Morocco’s history to the younger generation. The festival will also expose the musical talents of Elad Levi, Anas Belhachemi, Yohai Cohen, Salah Eddine Mesbah, Hay Korkos and Hicham Dinar. These passionate rising stars are “determined to forget nothing that their elders left to them.”
The 2019 line up also spotlights female performers. Among the anticipated names is Samia Ahmed. She will introduce the history of Andalusia in concert; Asmae Lazrak will share a story about the long-established connection between the Jews and Arabs; and the singer Dalila Meksoub, alongside performers Line Monty, Salim Halali, and Samy Al Maghribi, will help make Jewish-Moroccan history. They will perform the text of Maâlem Ayouch Benmouyal Souiri, honoring this master Jewish poet who praises the prophet, Mohamed.
Another anticipated performer is Compañía Leonor Real. Real will travel from Seville to join Master Omar Metioui, the Director of the brilliant Andalusian Rawafid orchestra. Festival concerts will take place in the Essaouira historic medina at Dar Souri, Place el Menzah and Bavt Addakira.
The Andalusian festival will conclude with two performances by the iconic Raymonde Al Bidaouia, who represents the Andalousies. His second concert will take place with the great master Ben Omar Ziani, well noted throughout the Judeo-Arabic world as a pioneer and master in his field. “The Maestro and the Malka will offer us a concert improbable and unexpected but which will be a milestone in the annals of Moroccan music.”
In addition to the musical festivities, the Atlantic Andalusia Festival will host debates as part of its Forum Agora and exhibitions. Visitors to Essaouira interested in Jewish Moroccan history and culture are encouraged to explore this coastal town through attending performances and exploring the rich history of Jewish life that once permeated the town.