The 12th Gnawa and World Music Festival Essaouira 25-28 June 2009

For four days, the famous "Maallems" will entertain many curious people who are in search of true moments of relaxation and happiness. Artists will perform live every day, during the program of the event, some of the most moving moments of the cultural season: music mixed with wild gnawa or gentle soul and dance rhythms.

But since the festival of Essaouira is also the festival of world music, this edition will have the participation of many artists from abroad like the famous Congo Nation, the charismatic Donald Harrison, the French Jazz group" Sixun", the American funk and hip-hop "Arrested Development", the troupe Sidi Ali Lasmar Stambali which will forward the heritage of Gnaoua Tunisia in all its grandeur, and the famous cherry Mali Babani Kone.

Organizers assured that this edition will also include legendary artists of the Moroccan song like Nass El Ghiwane and Hamid Bouchnak, and those of the new generation, like Blue Mogador Mazagan, and DJ Hak'x Unes.

Placed under the sign of creativity and diversity, this year's edition presents an interesting programme combining originality and authenticity; a cocktail that promises exceptional fusions and unforgettable improvisation, all in a beautiful ambiance