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Morocco World
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Laughter Unites Casablanca at Comediablanca 2025
Casablanca's iconic Mohammed V Complex pulsed last night with energy as the Francophone Gala of Comediablanca 2025 delivered an unforgettable evening of humor, identity, and celebration. From the moment the pre-show village opened to the final applause echoing through the venue, the second edition of this bilingual festival confirmed its place at the heart of Morocco's cultural calendar. Organized by TENDANSIA, the festival offered not only two evenings of top-tier comedy but also a space where language, community, and creativity converged. Two hours before the doors officially opened, attendees poured into a colorful outdoor village built around the venue. With the sun setting over Casablanca, visitors explored coffee stands, food stalls, artisan fashion booths, and live music—transforming the space into a buzzing festival ground. Several performers arrived for interviews around 14:30 in this warm and festive atmosphere, interacting with early guests and the press while soaking in the pre-show energy. Coming to Casablanca! For the comedians set to perform, Comediablanca was not just another booking — it was a milestone. Oualas, a seasoned performer who has graced stages across Morocco, didn't downplay the challenge:'The Moroccan audience is perhaps the most difficult of all the audiences I've met. They're very demanding. If it's not funny, they don't laugh. But if you can make a Moroccan laugh, you can make the world laugh.' Coco Makmak, taking the stage in Morocco for the very first time, described the experience as both surreal and inspiring. 'All the artists tonight are big names in comedy, and I'm honored to be among them,' she said. 'I hope the audience buys into my humor and sees what makes me Coco Makmak.' Erick Baert, who offered a teaser from his full show coming to Morocco this November, shared his genuine emotion: 'The energy gave me chills from the moment I walked into the venue. This is my big premiere in Morocco, and I'm the happiest guy in the world.' The gala was hosted by Meryem Benoua, who returned to her hometown stage with pride. 'Performing here, in Casablanca, for Moroccans — it's incredible,' she tells Morocco World News. 'The public gives so much love. It's the only place where I feel truly at home.' For Mimo Lazrak, the show was deeply personal: 'There's extra pressure performing in front of your own family, your city, your people. But I'm proud — and this festival has grown into something worthy of the biggest stages.' Building cultural bridges and spotlighting Morocco as a creative hub The lineup, which included French and North African performers, offered everything from sharp stand-up to physical comedy and vocal impersonations. The audience responded with thunderous laughter, heartfelt applause, and a standing ovation that brought the night to a close on a high note. This year's edition was rescheduled to accommodate a Wydad AC football match and operated smoothly thanks to tight logistics and secure, app-based ticketing via Guichet. The seamless coordination ensured that audiences could enjoy the evening without concern, fully immersed in the experience. With its unique two-gala format — one Arabophone, one Francophone — Comediablanca continues to build cultural bridges while showcasing Morocco's position as a creative hub As Casablanca wakes up today to a quieter rhythm, the buzz around Comediablanca 2025 is still very much alive. From young debut performers to seasoned veterans, the consensus is clear: this festival matters. The success of this second edition has sparked anticipation for what's to come — more stages, more languages, and perhaps more days of programming in future years. Because if this week reminded us of anything, it's that comedy is not just entertainment — it's a shared language. And in Casablanca last night, that language brought thousands together in laughter. Tags: Casablancacomediacomediablanca
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Comediablanca 2025 Opens Today: What to Expect for Day 1
Casablanca — Comediablanca 2025 is kicking off today, with the second annual Morocco's biggest comedy festival opening tonight at Casablanca's Complexe Mohammed V. The event, which was set to take place on May 30-31, was brought forward to May 29-30 to avoid clashing with a prominent match of the Wydad Athletic Club on May 31. Tonight's event, the Gala Arabophone, will see fans of comedy ushered into an evening of Moroccan and Darija comedy. The evening will start with a captivating opening ceremony, introducing Morocco's rich comedy heritage through a montage of popular Moroccan comedians and popular television sketches. For organizers, the idea is to pave the way to a nostalgic but fresh start to the event. Taking to the stage are actress and comedian Hanan El Fadili, social media star and comedian Oussama Ramzi, dynamic performer Ayoub Idri, and the satirical pair Driss & Mehdi. Up-and-coming stars Saïd & Wadie, social media stars Ghita Kitane and Simo Sedraty will also be on offer. And closing the show is comedian Mohammed Fatih, scheduled to deliver relatable and topical humour to the crowd. Ahead of the gala event, attendees are invited to explore Comediablanca Village, which opens at 17:00 and runs until the show begins at 20:00. The festival hub features artisan stalls, diverse food trucks, and cozy small stages hosting improvised performances and comedy workshops, games, creating a lively pre-show atmosphere. Tomorrow, May 30, the event extends into the evening with the Gala Francophone, top-billed by Roman Frayssinet and a roster of Meryem Benoua as a host, Mimo Lazrak, Erick Baert, and more. Today's Arabophone gala will prepare Casablanca to emerge as a beacon of humor and cross-cultural exchange. Morocco World News will offer continuous coverage from the center of the event. Tags: comedyComedy festival in Casblanca
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Casablanca Gears Up as Comediablanca Promises a Night of Big Laughs
Casablanca – The curtains won't rise on Comediablanca until 8 p.m. tonight, but the buzz is already building after yesterday's press conference at Complexe Mohammed V. In on-site interviews with Morocco World News, organizers shared exciting details, and veteran TV comedians and social media stars explained why this year's edition promises something special for the crowd. The festival is taking place on May 29 and 30. A Festival that keeps scaling up Festival co-director Myriam Bouayad told MWN that the move into the 4,000‑seat arena marks Comediablanca's fastest growth spurt to date. 'We wanted audiences to enjoy a full experience, not just a show,' she said, pointing to the Comediablanca Village, a pop‑up zone opening at 5 p.m. with food trucks, artisan stalls, and games that would give the audience a festive, all-around experience. The date change was brought forward by a day to avoid Wydad Athletic Club's friendly game against Sevilla, forcing a logistical sprint, but organizers insist ticket sales are on pace to fill the hall. Digital stars face the spotlights YouTube and Instagram favorite Simo Sedraty admitted that going from phone screens to a big stage is 'exciting and a little scary.' 'This year is special, it's my first Comediablanca,' he said. 'I've done live shows [before], but performing for 4,000 people makes me nervous and excited. I've wanted to leave the digital comfort zone for a while; this festival felt like the right moment.' Fellow online stars Ghita Kitane and Ayoub Idri added that this year's event will be special and bring joy to people's hearts. From spectator to performer Meanwhile, comedian Mohamed Fatih said he's thrilled to be on the lineup this year, having attended the festival only as a spectator in 2024. 'I pull my material straight from everyday life,' he explained, 'turning the little moments I notice into sketches I can share with the audience.' Fatih added that grounding his comedy in relatable situations 'keeps the laughs honest.' What the crowd should expect tonight Comedian Oussama Ramzi kept the promise simple: 'People should get ready for two solid hours where they'll laugh hard and forget their worries.' The evening begins with an homage to Morocco's television‑comedy heritage, followed by sets from Oussama Ramzi, Simo Sedraty, Hanan El Fadili, Ayoub Idri, Saïd & Wadie, Driss & Mehdi, Ghita Kitane, and a closing slot by Fatih Mohamed. The Comediablanca Village opens at 5 p.m., while doors to the main venue will open at 7 p.m., followed by the Gala Arabophone at 8 p.m. Tomorrow, the festival pivots to French‑language stand‑up with the Gala Francophone, headlined by Roman Frayssinet. Tags: comedyComedy festival in Casblanca
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Climate
- Morocco World
Moroccan Oases Face Climate Crisis as Officials Push for Innovation, Adaptation
Rabat — Morocco's oasis ecosystems face an existential threat as climate change destroys the ancient balance between communities and their environment. Morocco World News (MWN) sat with Mustapha Faouzi, territorial director of ANDZOA in Zagora, at the second International Congress on Oases and Date Palm held May 22-23 in Ouarzazate. The event brought international experts to discuss the theme of 'Resilience and Adaptation of Oasis Ecosystems to Climate Change.' 'In oases, there used to be a balance between the population and the environment,' Faouzi explained to MWN, adding that these ecosystems traditionally thrived on subsistence, 'based on what the local population produces and lives on.' However, climate change has shattered this equilibrium, the official noted, explaining: 'We're seeing numerous extreme phenomena: fires, floods, and climate disruptions.' He further argued that these changes severely impact the oases residents' quality of life. Urgent action required ANDZOA has launched multiple initiatives focusing on water mobilization and regenerating aging palm groves. The agency faces three major challenges: improving socioeconomic conditions that lag behind regional averages, preserving oasis ecosystems, and increasing investment in scientific research while securing international funding. Concrete actions include drilling wells, distributing firefighting equipment, providing laboratory-grown plants, and training young farmers for sustainability. Read also: International Congress Tackles Oases, Date Palm Survival Amid Climate Change Challenges Water crisis threatens oases' survival The most critical threat involves water scarcity, compounded by soil and water salinization. 'Without water, we can only talk about the decline or even the end of oases,' Faouzi warned. He called for a paradigm shift toward reusing non-conventional water sources and optimizing existing supplies through technological innovation. Hope through innovation Despite these challenges, Faouzi remains optimistic. 'We are already on track with the use of new technologies, new adaptation methods, and new development approaches,' he said. The international congress provides crucial opportunities for 'exchanging experiences with other oasis countries around the world,' allowing Morocco to learn from successful strategies elsewhere. 'This reassures us and gives us hope for a better future for our oases,' Faouzi concluded. Tags: ANDZOAclimate changeMoroccan oasesMoroccoOases in Morocco
Morocco World
5 days ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
British FM's Potential Visit to Morocco Could Be Game Changer on Western Sahara
Rabat – A potential and still unconfirmed visit by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to Morocco is sparking serious talk over a possible shift in London's traditional position on the Western Sahara dispute. A source close to the dossier told Morocco World News (MWN) that the UK official could soon make an official stop in Morocco, where he will hold talks with senior officials. The visit could potentially include a major announcement, which could cover a revision of the UK's long-standing stance on the dispute. For years, the UK has clung to a traditional and very cautious position on the dispute, limiting this stance to its support for Morocco's efforts within the framework of the UN-led political process. But this position stops short of explicitly endorsing any particular solution, including the Moroccan Autonomy Plan, which has received clear and resounding support from over 113 countries in the past few years. While London acknowledges Morocco's engagement and efforts in the political process over Western Sahara, its position remains ambiguous and in stark contrast with Rabat's new policy and approach over its interests. In September 2022, King Mohammed VI set a clear vision for the future of the Sahara, both diplomatically and economically. In his historic speech, the monarch stressed that Western Sahara is the lens through which Morocco views its relations and cooperation with other countries. Morocco will enter into no agreement or partnership with any country that undermines its most important cause by challenging or casting doubt on its territorial integrity, the King stressed. 'I therefore expect certain states among Morocco's traditional partners as well as new ones, whose stances concerning the Moroccanness of the Sahara are ambiguous, to clarify their positions and reconsider them in a manner that leaves no room for doubt,' he said. David Lammy has recently acknowledged that the current UK government's position on Western Sahara remains the same as that of the previous governments. However, he stressed that the Sahara dossier is under review 'as we continue to discuss these issues in the region.' He made these comments during a parliamentary session in April, prompting speculation and signaling a potential change in the UK's traditional stance. Like many countries, such as the US, France, and Spain, the UK is well aware of what the Sahara dossier means to Morocco. This has been evident in the ongoing appeals and growing pressure from within the British establishment. Over the years, dozens of UK parliamentarians have repeatedly called on their respective governments to align with key allies by recognizing Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces. Last year, over 30 MPs and Peers penned a letter to the former UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Cameron, urging the timely recognition of Morocco's Autonomy Plan as the most viable solution to the dispute. 'Morocco stands paramount among these partner nations, it is a top strategic ally in North Africa, with shared values and perspectives crucial to both our countries,' they emphasized. The letter also warned against separatism or division, emphasizing the importance of reinforcing or boosting bilateral relations with a key ally like Morocco. 'The dangerous escalations and catastrophic effects of conflict in the Middle East have intensified the spread of terrorism and extremism, providing an opportunity for hostile militias to broaden their ideological reach and influence beyond their own borders,' the letter reads . It also emphasized the economic and geopolitical potential of the Western Sahara region, including the development of infrastructure in Morocco's southern provinces, including the port of Dakhla. The letter described the region as a 'hub for innovation and international cooperation in Africa.' In addition to this letter, several UK politicians individually called on their country to support the ongoing momentum by recognizing Morocco's territorial integrity. Some have even joined international appeals, calling for the designation of the Polisario Front as a terrorist group. Liam Fox, former Secretary of State for Defense in the UK, has for instance called on his country to label Polisario as a terrorist group. 'Like Hamas and Hezbollah, the Polisario Front is an Iranian proxy organisation. For the sake of our Moroccan allies, Western governments must move quickly to designate this group as a terrorist organisation,' Fox wrote on X. Time to make up for previous diplomatic mistakes Britain significantly contributed to colonial dynamics in Morocco in the early 20th century, particularly during the period surrounding the 1906 Algeciras Conference . After wielding unrivaled political and economic influence over Morocco in the late 19th century, the UK renounced its economic interests in Morocco by signing the Algeciras Act alongside other European powers. This act allowed France to establish control over Morocco, with the main goal of guaranteeing equal economic rights for all signatories. France, of course, dominated Morocco's economy. This means that the UK had a hand in facilitating France's dominance over Morocco, its economy, and political affairs. In closely aligning with Paris, the UK contributed to dismissing the North African country's independence aspirations, and safeguarding imperial integrity through diplomatic maneuvers. The Algeciras conference ultimately resulted in a European agreement that divided interests and influence within Morocco, leading to its subjugation under French and Spanish colonization. Well before the conference, France signed a treaty with Britain in 1904. In that accord, Paris renounced its ambitions in Egypt in favor of London. In exchange, France received the UK's support for its right to occupy Morocco. A third treaty also came the same year between France and Spain, confirming Spain's right to occupy northern Morocco in exchange for supporting France's expansion into the rest of Moroccan territory. As many Western countries rush to embrace Morocco's Autonomy Plan, observers have suggested that the UK is facing a now or never dilemma when it comes to making up for its historical mistakes in Morocco. With France and the US having taken the bold decision of recognizing Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces in Western Sahara , many in Rabat and Rabat hope to see the UK follow in their footsteps in the coming weeks. Business interest Beyond political interests, many countries decided to reinforce ties with Morocco as the country continues to position itself as a leader in several areas, including security, migration management, agriculture, and renewable energy. With Morocco scheduled to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, the country has also become a target of business interests for governments and businesses. Earlier this month, UK Minister of State for Investment Baroness Gustafsson answered an MP's question on the country's potential cooperation, reinforcing trade ties with Morocco. Gustafsson said that the Department for Business and Trade is 'committed to helping UK businesses export to Morocco.' This effort aligns with the UK-Morocco Association Agreement the two countries signed in 2019 post-Brexit, he suggested. 'Bilateral trade was worth £4.2 billion in 2024, up £0.6 billion in current prices from 2023,' the minister stated, stressing the importance of Morocco as a co-host of the World Cup. In a recent interview with Morocco World News (MWN), Chief Executive Officer of UK Export Finance (UKEF) Tim Reid also expressed his country's determination to explore the World Cup as an opportunity for deepening British investments in Morocco. 'In Morocco, we are focusing on World Cup-related projects as we are keen to be part of this exciting adventure,' he said, noting the agency's £5 billion commitment to Moroccan projects. The goal of such a move would be to contribute to positioning the North African country as a strategic launching point for British commercial interests throughout Africa, Reid argued. Many British companies have also been operating in Morocco, particularly in the renewable energy sector, with companies like Sound Energy seeing Morocco as a promising hub in the sector. Of course, such enthusiastic expression of interest is bound to be met by frustration from the separatist Polisario Front and Algeria, which continues to maneuver against Morocco's territorial integrity by advocating and threatening companies not to invest in southern provinces. In March, the Polisario Front explicitly turned to its terrorist tactics by targeting foreign businesses that are operating in Morocco's southern provinces or seeking a presence in the region. 'Let the Sahrawi stay away from foreigners and not come telling us they're civilians or innocent. This is not a tourism context, but a wartime context,' a member of the Polisario Front leadership said in March. Amid the pressure and threats, UK Parliament Member Liam Fox urged British companies to seize investment opportunities in the region . Speaking to Morocco's official news agency, MAP, on the sidelines of the Innovation Zero World energy conference in London in April, Fox said: 'British companies looking for partnerships should take a closer look at what Morocco has to offer, particularly in the Kingdom's southern provinces.' In March, the UK government also made it clear that UK businesses are free to operate in Morocco's southern provinces, reaffirming that companies can make their own decisions on trade and investment in the region. This came as another blow to the separatist group from the UK government. For context, it came two years after a significant court verdict from the London Court of Appeals, which rejected the appeal request of pro-Polisario NGO WSC against the Morocco-UK Association Agreement in 2023. The lawsuit aimed to convince the British court to re-examine the trade agreement between the UK and Morocco to challenge Moroccan territorial integrity. Tags: algeria western saharaUK and Morocco
