By Adil Hassan
THE celebration of Africa’s rich cultural diversity was a resounding success when 450 000 spectators attended the 10 day “Rab’Africa Summer Festival” in Rabat.
Organised the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication in the Morocco capital Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohamed VI, 27 artists performed to big crowds on each of the days, culminating in a record 100 000 fans for the closing ceremony on August 14.
The Rab’Africa Summer Festival as part of the celebrations of Rabat being named the African Capital of Culture.
In February 2020, the Committee of African Capitals of Culture officially announced the choice of Rabat as the Capital of African Culture for the 2022-2023 calendar year.
The first edition of the festival “Rab’Africa Summer Festival” ran from August 5 to 14 at the corniche of Bouregreg. This event was in partnership with the Wilaya of Rabat, the City Council of Rabat and the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa).
Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohamed VI, and as part of the celebrations of ‘Rabat African Capital of Culture’, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication organized the first edition of the festival “Rab’Africa Summer Festival” from August 5 to 14, 2022 at the corniche of Bouregreg. This event was in partnership with the Wilaya of Rabat, the City Council of Rabat and the UCLG Africa.
The “Rab’Africa Summer Festival” is a program of entertainment that combines music shows and cultural and sports activities, adapted to the summer period.
Renowned African artists such as Mehdi Mozayine, Hatim Ammour, Hind Ennayra, Nouaaman Belayachi, Africa United, Zouhair Bahaoui, Mbokka Project, Jubantouja, Ribab Fusion, Ahmed Chaouki and Hajib performed at the festival.
The festival was a reminder that Rabat as the African Capital of Culture is a very rich international cultural event that will run for a year with the participation of national and international community.
Morocco Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid is on record saying that Rabat being named as the capital of African culture will be at the centre of celebrating Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
“It reflects the special interest that His Majesty grants to the African dimension of the Kingdom and the importance of strengthening relations between our country and our African brothers,” he said.
The Minister added that the celebration of Rabat as the capital of African culture is an opportunity to present to the world the bright face of the ancient African civilization, and to highlight the deep Afro-Moroccan ties.