Jazzablanca kicked off its 18th edition with a lively opening day on Thursday at Anfa Park, where music lovers soaked in the warm ambiance of food stalls, chill-out zones, and a vibrant creators' market. The first night of the ten-day celebration wrapped up in spectacular fashion with British soul icon Seal headlining the main stage, following captivating performances by Hindi Zahra and Cuban jazz ensemble El Comité. Jazzablanca, the standout event of summers in Casablanca, has returned. Now in its 18th edition, the festival spans, for the first time in its history, ten days with two spectacular music weekends. The first weekend kicked off a bit early in Casablanca, with Thursday, July 3, launching the festivities at the Jazzablanca Village. Friends, families with little kids, young and older couples, and even colleagues flocked to the village as early as 6 PM. In addition to this year's spectacular lineup, many came to fully experience what the village has to offer. Right after passing through the festival gates, one can spot entertainment everywhere: a food court serving delicacies to suit all tastes and cravings, a pop-up market for local designers, gaming stands, and multiple chill zones with seating and beanbags on the grass, perfect for taking a break between concerts. A crowd drawn by music, food, and connection Speaking to attendees, this is what makes the festival special, alongside the music, of course. «It's about the great vibes», says a young Casablanca-based festivalgoer. «It's my fourth time attending Jazzablanca, I'm a regular», she told Yabiladi while roaming the gaming and food court zones. «It's always good to see a lot of people, talk with so many fellow attendees, have good food, good conversations», she added. As for the lineup, she said she was «especially excited to see Seu Jorge», the Brazilian singer-songwriter and actor expected to perform this Friday. Other attendees came all the way from South Africa, for the love of jazz, and jazz in Morocco. «I had been researching jazz festivals around the world, but since Ibrahim Maalouf was playing here, we chose Jazzablanca. Plus, we've both always wanted to visit Morocco», said two South African sisters among the festivalgoers. The crowd enjoying the first day of Jazzablanca. / Ph. Ilham Fouwad Photography / Yabiladi Their trip was also a birthday gift. «I brought my sister for her 50th birthday. We both love jazz, it's a big part of life in South Africa, where we're from», one of them shared. Others were drawn by the artists they grew up listening to, and the chance to reconnect with old friends. «For our generation, the highlight is the Black Eyed Peas», said a young couple already lined up in front of the Village's big Scene, ahead of Moroccan star Hindi Zahra's show. In addition to the music, «The atmosphere is really nice, super well organized», they noted. «There's a village vibe : we reconnect, meet old acquaintances and friends. It's really lovely, we enjoy it a lot», they said, big smiles lighting up their faces. Where music meets makers For those who are also in the mood for a little shopping, the creators' market at the heart of the Jazzablanca Festival Village offers a vibrant showcase of Moroccan brands and entrepreneurs. Among them are best friends Yousra and Houria, co-founders of the HaïHaïVintage label from Marrakech. «Our brand is really a story of friendship, we've known each other for 20 years, we love vintage, and that's how it all began», says Yousra. Selling curated vintage pieces mainly online, this is their first time at the festival. «We came because we love music, and this gives us a chance to connect with a slightly different audience than the one we usually meet at pop-ups». Ph. Yabiladi Also present is Be the Artisan, a start-up blending heritage and innovation. «Our brand offers artisanal kits that promote Moroccan heritage and craftsmanship», explains founder Zakaria Loulidy. «Each kit is a semi-finished piece finalized by a craftsman, then completed by the buyer following a guide from a master artisan». And of course, no festival is complete without daring fashion and bold accessories, something Kenza Alaoui, founder of Kenza Klay, knows well. She brings her hand-sculpted clay earrings, necklaces, bracelets and charms to Jazzablanca. Ph. Yabiladi «This is my third time at Jazzablanca. I've done the creators' market before, but this year we're in a new space, and I love it», she told Yabiladi. «Jazzablanca is perfect for me, it's exactly my clientele. People who come here love jewelry that's bold and a little out of the ordinary. It's one of my best-selling events in Morocco». Hindi Zahra and Seal light up the opening night While many enjoyed shopping, gaming and food, Cuban jazz was filling the air, echoing through the village and into the ears of the buzzing crowd. El Comité, a Cuban-formed Latin jazz ensemble made up of top musicians from Cuba's jazz scene, had the crowd moving at Scene 21 with a high-energy mix of Afrobeat, funk, montuno, bolero, traditional jazz, and even Gnaoua fusion with Maâlem Khalid Sansi. Cuban band El Comité performing at Jazzablanca's 21 stage. / Ph. Ph Ilham Fouwad Photography / Yabiladi It was just the warm-up to what was next on the main stage, Scene Casablanca Anfa. First on the lineup was the one and only Hindi Zahra, the Moroccan singer-songwriter known for blending Amazigh sounds with jazz, singing in Tamazight, English, and Darija. At 9 PM, the show began. Zahra graced the crowd with newer and older songs, opening with Gnaoua-inspired rhythms before launching into her classics. The crowd sang along to «Imik Si Mik», a romantic blend of Tachelhit and English, and danced to «Beautiful Tango», with a real couple performing tango on stage in a touching tribute to her loyal fans. There were piano solos, reggada-inspired dances, and plenty of emotion from Zahra. «You are my beautiful strangers. I missed you so, and I love you so», she told her audience before ending with a powerful rendition of «Stand Up», infused with an oriental touch that got the crowd on their feet. Hindi Zahra. /Ph. Ilham Fouwad Photography / Yabiladi After a brief break to recharge, it was time for the long-awaited headliner, Seal. He launched the show with «All I Know Is Now», before switching to French: «Comment ça va tout le monde?» The crowd roared, chanting his name: «Seal! Seal! Seal!» He treated them to both new material and timeless hits. «It's been ten years since I came to Morocco», he shared between songs. «Not to perform, just to stay in this beautiful place in Casablanca». Seal at Casablanca Anfa stage. / Ph. Ilham Fouwad Photography / Yabiladi He recalled landing and being offered tea: «It wasn't just about the tea. It was about how it was presented, the warmth». The audience cheered. Then came the hits: «Kiss from a Rose» (1994), and «Bring It On», with an acoustic guitar session in the middle. Seal ended his show in spectacular fashion, with white confetti raining down on the crowd, a festive goodbye and the perfect wrap-up to Jazzablanca's opening day.
