Timitar 2024: Three nights of pure magic in Agadir
For three nights, from 4 to 6 July 2024, the city of Agadir in Morocco pulsed to the enchanting rhythm of the Timitar Festival. Under the inspired direction of Brahim El Mazned, this unmissable event once again dazzled its spectators. For three magical evenings, music lovers were transported by 40 unforgettable concerts, navigating a sea of rhythms ranging from classical Arabic to raï, jazz and even new Moroccan music.
A tribute to Amazigh music
The strong presence of Amazigh artists was the beating heart of this edition, honouring Moroccan musical heritage and embodying the very essence of Timitar. Amazigh culture, rich in history and traditions, is a fundamental pillar of Moroccan identity. Its music, both vibrant and melodious, tells stories of courage, struggle, love, and the daily life of the Amazigh people. Traditional instruments like the ribab and the drum, as well as folk dances, are living witnesses to a heritage that continues to captivate and inspire.
The Timitar Festival embodies this beautiful culture by creating a space where Amazigh music and world music meet and converse. It is a celebration of cultural diversity and richness, where artists can share their stories and traditions with an enthusiastic and curious audience. The residents of Agadir, along with many tourists from across Morocco and beyond, flocked in large numbers to celebrate this musical diversity, moving safely from concert to concert.
A symphony of lights and sounds at Place Al Amal
Place Al Amal, illuminated by a thousand lights and adorned with splendid luminous installations, hosted spectacular performances that enchanted the audience. The captivating melodies of Hamid Inerzaf opened the evening with hypnotic softness, while Dystinct electrified the audience with his catchy rhythms. The legendary Moroccan group Oudaden recalled ancestral musical traditions with timeless energy, immersing spectators in a sea of enchanting sounds from the Souss.
Douzi delivered an extraordinary performance, making his concert one of the most anticipated moments of the festival. His boundless energy and vibrant scenographies captivated the audience, who sang along to his global hits. Egyptian artist Abu, with his charisma and warm voice, lit up the stage with his famous hit ‘3 Daqatt’, creating a festive and unforgettable moment, filling the air with collective euphoria.
Brilliant participation of West African artists
The Timitar Festival also shone with its cultural diversity thanks to the exceptional participation of West African artists. The Ivorian dance company Aaninka brilliantly contributed to the event’s opening with a spectacular parade, blending traditional and contemporary dance in a symphony of graceful and powerful movements. Their performance, marked by flamboyant costumes and contagious energy, immediately captivated the audience, announcing a colourful start to the festival.
The Togolese stilt walkers of the Nunana company also dazzled spectators with their impressive acrobatic numbers. These artists, perched on high stilts, executed complex and majestic choreographies, defying gravity with disconcerting ease. Their imposing and magnificent art added a magical dimension to the event, illustrating the richness and diversity of African traditions. Their performances continued to enchant the audience on Saturday, demonstrating the universality of art and culture at Timitar.
The new Moroccan scene in the spotlight
On the stage of Place Bijouane, the new scene shone brightly thanks to the performances of Hasba Groove, Meteor Airlines, Tasuta N-Imal, Ribab Fusion, Ali Imrane, VJ Radeem, DJ Valava, and DJ NDRK. These young talents infused positive energy and musical freedom that captivated the audience, offering diverse and innovative soundscapes.
Intense emotions at the Agadir Green Theatre
The Green Theatre was the setting for moments of intense emotion. The captivating voice of Faia Younan and the exceptional repertoire of Moroccan diva Oum transported spectators into a musical trance. Oum, with her grace and vocal power, offered a journey through sublime melodies, rooted in tradition and open to the world. They were preceded by Amazigh artists Rways, Khadija Atlas, Fatima Tachtoukt and Jubantouja, who made the theatre vibrate with their contemporary and traditional rhythms.
Unprecedented and unforgettable performances
The Green Theatre also hosted the unprecedented trio Imed Alibi, Kel Assouf and Justin Adams, who delivered a masterful show, merging their talents to offer a breathtaking performance. Additionally, the stage was graced by the Cesaria Evora Orchestra, paying a vibrant tribute to the barefoot diva and enchanting the audience with melodies filled with nostalgia and beauty.
A collective and lasting success
Timitar is certainly the largest festival in Africa, and this year, Brahim once again achieved his goal of creating moments of happiness, communion and lasting memories. This success is also the result of the dedicated involvement of Agadir’s residents, volunteers, sponsors, and the unwavering support of institutional actors and local authorities. Together, for the 19th time, they realised an edition of the Timitar Festival that was popular, democratic, rich in emotions and discoveries, leaving imperishable memories in everyone's hearts.
Comments
Log in or register to post comments