Rabat, Morocco (Running Africa) – One of Africa’s largest and most influential music festivals returns this week as the 21st edition of the Mawazine – Rythmes du Monde Festival kicks off in Rabat on June 19, bringing together some of the continent’s biggest musical talents alongside international stars.
Running through June 27 across six stages in Rabat and neighboring Salé, the festival continues to cement its status as one of the world’s largest cultural events. Held under the patronage of Mohammed VI, Mawazine attracted nearly 3.75 million attendees in 2025 and is expected to draw massive crowds once again this year.
African artists will play a leading role throughout the nine-night celebration, showcasing the continent’s diverse musical landscape to audiences from around the world.
Ghanaian dancehall heavyweight Stonebwoy is set to perform on the Bouregreg Stage on June 20 alongside electronic music group Major Lazer. South African global sensation Tyla will headline the prestigious OLM Souissi Stage on June 21, one of the festival’s most anticipated performances.
Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Rema will take center stage on June 24, while legendary Senegalese ensemble Orchestra Baobab will perform at the Bouregreg Stage on the same evening.
The festival’s closing weekend will feature Malian music icon Oumou Sangaré on June 26, followed by Tanzanian hitmaker Diamond Platnumz, who is scheduled to close out the festival on June 27.
Elsewhere, Ivorian Coupé-Décalé star Serge Beynaud will perform on June 23, while Zambian-Australian rapper Sampa the Great is set to take the stage on June 25.
With 65 concerts spread across nine nights, Mawazine 2026 once again highlights Africa’s growing influence on the global music scene while reaffirming Morocco’s position as a major destination for international arts and entertainment.
From Afrobeats and Amapiano to Coupé-Décalé and traditional African sounds, this year’s festival promises a celebration of the continent’s cultural diversity on one of its grandest stages.
