MOGA Festival: An open-air electronic music concert electrifies the Essaouira crowd

Essaouira – The Essaouira crowd turned out in force on Wednesday evening for a highly electrifying electronic music concert, organized as part of the “OFF” program of the MOGA Festival, whose 10th edition is being held from September 30 to October 4 in the City of the Trade Winds.

Set up in the Sqala of the Kasbah, an iconic architectural gem of Essaouira, the stage hosted “DJ Mask Off,” a key figure in the city’s “street music” scene, known for his open-air performances blending electronic music and multicultural sounds, who kicked off the evening with an energetic and captivating set.

Following this, DJ, producer, and leading figure of the Moroccan electronic music scene, Mr.ID, treated the audience to a vibrant performance. He seamlessly blended rhythmic sounds, combining Deep/Afro-house with traditional music from Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa, creating a unique atmosphere perfectly in keeping with the authentic spirit of Essaouira.

The audience was also treated to a set by British DJ and producer Robin M, who brilliantly oscillated between Deep/Melodic and Tech-house tracks, taking the crowd on a sonic journey where the tension gradually built.

And to close this memorable evening, DJ Smemo, a Moroccan artist renowned for his unique fusion of electronic music and Moroccan culture, took to the stage to offer the audience a hypnotic performance blending Afro-house, electro, and Gnawa and Moroccan sounds.

In a statement to MAP, DJ Mask Off expressed his delight at participating in this year’s MOGA Festival, emphasizing his deep connection to his hometown of Essaouira, which he described as providing an environment conducive to artistic expression and creativity.

Reflecting on his career, the artist explained that he pioneered the concept of street DJing in Essaouira, an approach that allows him to perform outdoors and reach a wider audience.

DJ Mask Off also highlighted the human dimension of this experience, drawing on feedback from audience members who told him that his performances offer an escape from their daily worries. He summarized this by saying, “For me, it’s therapy,” before encouraging young people to “believe in their dreams,” based on his own journey.

“I started in a tiny place, a tiny doorway, and today I’m performing at one of the biggest festivals in Morocco,” he proudly stated.

The MOGA Festival continues its ambition to make Essaouira a vibrant cultural destination, extending far beyond the official festival program, by offering 51 events, 30 activities, 2 free concerts, 18 partner venues, and a new professional component, the “Moga Academy,” this year.

Conceived as an integral part of the festival’s identity, “MOGA OFF” (September 30 and October 1) offers two days of programming open to all, at the crossroads of cultures and practices, while engaging cafés, restaurants, cultural institutions, iconic venues, and local stakeholders.