The new Moroccan wave: Visa For Music signs stars, Mogadishu makes the medina dance!
Morocco is not just celebrating its legends: it is making its future headlines! Zoom on two talented machines that move a whole generation — Visa For Music in Rabat and Mogadishu in Essaouira.
On the one hand, Visa For Music: since 2014, this unique market festival is THE professional hub of African and Middle East music. Showcases in front of tourners, conferences, trade fair at the Mohammed V Theatre: more than 1,500 professionals from over 50 countries come to find the sounds of tomorrow. The 13th edition is held from 18 to 21 November 2026 in Rabat — and behind the concept, a name that festivalgoers know well: Brahim El Mazned, also artistic director of Timitar in Agadir. The Moroccan industry has its architect!
On the other hand, Mogadishu Festival: born in 2016 in Essaouira, this festival-boutique des musiques électroniques has just celebrated its 10th anniversary (30 September–4 October 2026) with a magical formula — the OFF, free, which turns the whole city into an open-air stage, and the IN, three days of celebration facing the ocean. The small festival that has become big is also exported to Portugal, Spain and soon to Brazil.
Pro market or dancefloor feet in the sand: Moroccan relief is moving forward, and Festival TV is following it very closely!
— Moïse 1er, the Festival Explorer