Latest news with #Moroccan-Canadian
Ya Biladi
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's 2025 festival season : Dates, headliners, and highlights
The festival season is kicking off in Morocco this mid-May and will run through the summer. With a diverse lineup of music genres ranging from pop and jazz to rap and traditional Gnaoua, the 2025 festival season offers something for every music lover. Whether you're a casual festival-goer, a music enthusiast, or a tourist planning your summer holiday around music festivals, this article is for you. Yabiladi will be listing some of the major festivals taking place this season, their locations, and their headliners. A Strong Start This festival season kicks off with several events in mid-May. The first major event is the Timeless Festival in Casablanca, blending nostalgia, especially for millennials and early 2000s teens, with today's music scene. The Timeless Festival takes place on May 16 and 17, 2025, at Anfa Park. It promises «iconic sounds from the 1980s to today in an electrifying atmosphere», according to the organizers. The first day, starting at 6 p.m., will feature French-Moroccan rapper La Fouine followed by early 2000s R&B star Craig David. The second day will showcase global dancehall icon Sean Paul and Moroccan-Canadian artist Beny Adam, known for his blend of R&B, pop, and urban sounds. The festival will also feature DJ sets, interactive zones, and a food court to keep the vibes alive. Tickets start at 600 MAD for one-day passes. Not far from Casablanca, the Timelapse Festival 's third edition will be held on May 23-24 in Bouznika. This electro music festival boasts a stellar lineup, with Italian DJ Moblack, a pioneer of Afro-house, on the first day. The second day will feature Casablanca duo DJs Nomads, known for «blending deep, soulful beats with the pulse of Morocco». The festival will also showcase local talent with DJs Didiss and Bouta in a back-to-back session and a B3B trio featuring DJs Caiiro Da Capo and Enoo Napa. Tickets for Timelapse Fest start at 600 MAD for a one-day pass, and accommodations are available at The View Bouznika Hotel. A Spiritual Experience in Fès If you're looking for a spiritual musical experience, we recommend the 28th edition of the Sacred Music of the World Festival in Fès, from May 16 to 24. This year's theme, «Renaissances», celebrates cultural, spiritual, and artistic renewal. The festival will host over 200 artists from 15 countries, including Turkey, France, Spain, Switzerland, the Sultanate of Oman, and several African nations such as Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo. The program includes performances like Azerbaijani Mugham and Kazakh Songs of the Steppes (May 21), Armenian music by The Naghash Ensemble (May 23), Senegalese Sufism with Mouride Khassaide chants (May 19), and Moroccan master Jojoukas (May 18). Other highlights include Tariqa Tijjanya (May 20) and Aissaoua (May 21). While most concerts are free, some are paid, with prices ranging from 150 MAD to 500 MAD. As May wraps up, Rabat will host the second edition of the Summer Sound Festival from May 29 to 31. Held at Club Wifaq in the leafy Ambassadors district, the festival promises a diverse musical lineup, including headliners: Eliades Ochoa (May 29), a legendary Cuban musician and member of the Buena Vista Social Club; Franglish (May 30), a rising star blending Afropop and R&B and Ninho (May 31), one of the most influential names in contemporary French rap. Ticket prices range from 400 MAD for a one-day pass to 1300 MAD for a three-day pass. Rap fans will also have their own festival in Morocco this season: the 212'FlowFest, taking place on May 15-17 at Salle Renaissance in Rabat. The lineup will feature top Moroccan rap stars such as L'Morphine, Mister You, Snor, Shobee, and Dada, alongside rising local talents. Tickets for this festival start at 400 MAD for a one-day pass and can go up to 5000 MAD for a VIP all-access three-day pass. Nostalgia in Casablanca For fans of retro music, the Nostalgia Lovers Festival returns for its second edition in Casablanca from July 3 to 5. The event will take place at the city's converted Velodrome, bringing back the energy of the 80s and 90s with legendary artists and DJs. The first day will feature electrifying performances by 1990s British dance-pop band Londonbeat and electronic music star Rozalla. The second day will keep the party going with Lou Bega, known for his 1999 hit «Mambo No. 5». The third day promises an explosive finale with Brazilian diva Salomé de Bahia and American group C+C Music Factory. Tickets range from 590 MAD for a one-day pass to 1590 MAD for a three-day pass. Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira June brings another major festival: The 26th edition of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival, taking place from June 19 to 21 in Essaouira. This year's edition will feature 33 Gnaoua Maâlems alongside international artists. Maâlem Khalid Sansi from Casablanca will perform with Cuban funk artist Cimafunk, while Maâlem Morad ElMarjan will collaborate with Tunisian oud master Dhafer Youssef. Other highlights include Asmaa Hamzaoui & Bnat Timbouktou with Malian singer Rokia Koné, and Nigerian singer Ckay, embracing Afrobeat. Tickets for VIP access are available for 1200 MAD for a three-day pass. Mawazine Returns to Rabat From June 20 to 28, Rabat will host the 20th edition of the Mawazine Festival. Spanning six stages, five in Rabat and one in Sale, the festival promises a diverse lineup, including American rapper 50 Cent (June 21), reggae icon Julian Marley (June 28), Egyptian pop star Ruby (June 20), and K-pop group aespa (June 24). Other headliners include Will Smith (June 25), Kid Cudi (June 23), and Moroccan rap star El Grande Toto. The concerts are for free with paid VIP access available. Back to Casablanca, Jazzablanca 2025 is set to light up the city from July 3 to 12. This year's lineup includes big names like the Black-Eyed Peas, the soulful Seal, the legendary Kool & the Gang, and Grammy-nominated Lebanese trumpet virtuoso Ibrahim Maalouf. But that's not all – Moroccan stars like Oum, Hamid El Kasri, and Mehdi Nassouli will also take the stage, showcasing the rich local talent. The festival will be held at the Anfa Park with tickets ranging from 600 MAD per day to a 3000 MAD full pass.
Ya Biladi
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
Mustapha Fahmi brings Cleopatra and Shakespeare to Rabat's book fair
Can an essay deeply rooted in Shakespeare and centuries of philosophy resonate with a broad audience? The answer, it seems, lies in the work of Mustapha Fahmi. This Moroccan-Canadian author and researcher, a keen admirer of Nietzsche, Spinoza, and Heidegger, weaves their ideas into his trilogy celebrating Shakespeare's female characters. The latest installment, «The Beauty of Cleopatra», has just been released by La Peuplade publishers. Following the presentation of the first two parts, «Rosalind's Lesson» and «Juliet's Promise», at the International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL) in 2022, Mustapha Fahmi returns to SIEL 2025 to unveil the final volume of his trilogy. He will be at the joint stand of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, and the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME). This third book, written in a smooth and accessible style, makes even intricate philosophical concepts engaging for the general reader, placing the allure of literature at the service of thoughtful exploration. It steers clear of academic elitism while maintaining an elegant use of language. A Tribute to Female Intelligence In his writing, Fahmi emphasizes female intelligence, paying homage to Shakespeare's brilliance as one of the few male playwrights to craft compelling female characters. Conversely, Mustapha Fahmi observes that «the genius of female writers is also revealed in their ability to invent complex and convincing male characters». Speaking with Yabiladi, the author further notes that Cleopatra remains «the most complex role» within Shakespeare's creations. In «The Beauty of Cleopatra», Fahmi examines this iconic figure through ethical, political, and aesthetic lenses. The book also explores diverse perspectives, ranging from Greek philosophy to Kant, offering a profound reflection on contemporary issues informed by Shakespeare's enduring legacy. Underlying these explorations is a questioning of beauty's permanence or fragility, and the mystery it may or may not retain. «For me, Shakespeare is more than just an academic field. He is a guide. When I encounter a problem—whether personal, existential, or professional—I always turn to him. Either I find the answer, or I discover a better question that reveals the inadequacy of my initial inquiry». Mustapha Fahmi Drawing from Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, Mustapha Fahmi portrays Cleopatra largely through the impact she has on those around her. He describes the play as «a supreme masterpiece», one he has taught for years and to which he has dedicated articles and sections of essays in English. It is also a work that provides «moments of respite where one can pause and reflect». «In the English-speaking world, people are more familiar with plays like Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, and Romeo and Juliet. However, this particular character has always held a special fascination for me, which is why I decided to write a book about Cleopatra», he explains. «Antony and Cleopatra begins with extraordinary beauty, sustained by a unique intensity combined with a duration that could lead to exhaustion, even ecstasy», the author elaborates. In «The Beauty of Cleopatra», the discourse engages with philosophers, thereby restoring literature to a position of intellectual significance. «I believe that modern literary theories—structuralism, post-structuralism, deconstruction, among others—have served literature well. They have liberated us from the simplistic nature of romantic and humanistic criticism. However, they have severed the connection between literature and life, turning it into a subject for specialists who speak an impenetrable language. We attend conferences, converse among ourselves, and understand each other, but the general public is absent. Yet, since Homer, literature has never been this way», Mustapha Fahmi explains, emphasizing his aim to re-establish this connection by stripping away academic jargon. «I firmly believe that a writer's maturity is achieved through simplicity, not complexity. A writer who becomes increasingly complex over time is, in my view, developing in the wrong direction». Mustapha Fahmi In the process of writing this trilogy, the author even questioned his role as an academic. «We have three obligations: first, to knowledge; second, to our students; and third, often overlooked, to society», he states. In Morocco, Mustapha Fahmi recalls receiving his education «through public funds, up to his bachelor's degree». In Canada, his master's and PhD were supported by society. As he nears retirement from his professorship, a sense of gratitude inspires his reflection. «I decided in 2018 that it was time for me to give something back to society», he explains. After years of research, numerous books, and academic articles in English, the author was eager to produce works that could be read in a «simple and intelligent» manner, showing respect for the reader. «I truly believe that all university professors should do this towards the end of their careers: give something back to society», he argues. This trilogy, at the very least, restores the inherent beauty of literature, culminating years of lectures delivered worldwide on Shakespeare. This includes the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, where Mustapha Fahmi holds the distinction of being the first Arab and one of the few Canadians to deliver a lecture, in addition to having a doctoral thesis that offers a philosophical interpretation of Shakespeare's characters and the question of identity.
Morocco World
18-03-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
King Mohammed VI Felicitates New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney
Doha – King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations to Mark Carney following his appointment as Prime Minister of Canada, reaffirming the strong diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Moroccan monarch conveyed his 'best wishes for full success' to Carney in his new role, stating that Morocco and Canada share 'long relations of friendship based on mutual respect, shared values and dynamic cooperation in numerous fields.' The King noted Morocco's commitment to this 'common foundation as a guarantee of fruitful future-oriented cooperation.' Carney, 59, took the oath of office as Canada's Prime Minister on March 14, at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, succeeding Justin Trudeau's nearly 10-year tenure. The former central banker immediately formed a streamlined 24-member cabinet, reducing it from Trudeau's previous 30-plus ministers. Born in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, and raised in Edmonton, Carney brings substantial economic expertise to his role. He served as Governor of the Bank of Canada from 2008 to 2013 and made history as the first non-British Governor of the Bank of England from 2013 to 2020. After his central banking career, he worked as the United Nations' special envoy for climate action and finance. US trade tensions Carney assumes leadership amid escalating trade friction with the United States. The US has imposed 25-percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, prompting Canada to implement retaliatory measures. Further pressure looms with threatened 25-percent tariffs on all Canadian exports, scheduled for April 2. In his first public statements, Carney addressed the situation directly: 'The president is a successful business person and dealmaker. We're his largest client,' adding that 'clients expect respect and working together in a proper commercial way.' Responding to US territorial suggestions, Carney stated firmly in French: 'C'est simple: C'est fou. Point finale,' translating it as 'It's crazy. His point is crazy. That's it.' Growing Moroccan-Canadian community The Morocco-Canada partnership, established more than 60 years ago in 1962, spans multiple sectors. The first wave of Moroccan immigration to Canada began in the 1950s, primarily consisting of Jewish families leaving Morocco after the end of the French protectorate in 1956. This migration intensified during the Arab-Israeli wars, particularly after the 1967 Six Day War. The 1970s marked the arrival of Muslim immigrants from Morocco, with numbers surging in the late 1990s. A pivotal 1979 agreement between Quebec and Rabat eased the path for Moroccan students to study in Quebec with reduced tuition fees. The 1991 Canada-Québec Accord further shaped immigration patterns by prioritizing young, educated, francophone immigrants. The Moroccan diaspora has established deep roots in Canadian society. Montreal's Dar Al Maghrib Moroccan Cultural Centre, opened in 2012 with Moroccan government support, stands as North America's first such institution. The community has formed numerous associations and schools offering language, cultural, and religious education. Trade and diplomatic relations Trade relations show strong momentum, with Morocco standing as Canada's fourth-largest bilateral merchandise trading partner in Africa. Bilateral trade reached $1.14 billion in 2021, marking a 14.1% rise from 2020. Canadian exports to Morocco comprise cereals, vegetables, medical instruments, machinery, equipment, salt, and aircraft parts, while Morocco exports fertilizers, fruits, edible nuts, and inorganic chemicals to Canada. The countries maintain active cooperation in counter-terrorism initiatives, having co-chaired the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum from 2019 to September 2022. Canada has allocated over $9.1 million since 2017 for bilateral and regional counter-terrorism programs in Morocco. Educational ties form another cornerstone of bilateral relations, with more than 5,000 Moroccan students enrolling annually in Canadian colleges and universities. The Moroccan community in Canada has grown to 104,000 people as of 2016, with 82.6% residing in Quebec. Direct air connections between Montreal and Casablanca, operated by Air Canada and Royal Air Maroc, facilitate regular travel between the countries. Diplomatic representation continues through the Canadian Embassy in Rabat and Morocco's embassy in Ottawa, supplemented by consulates general in Montreal and Toronto. Recent polls indicate positive traction for Carney's leadership, with Liberal Party support rising to 35% compared to the Conservative Party's 36%, a substantial shift from January when the Conservatives led by 27 percentage points. Tags: King Mohammed VImorocco-canada relations
