Bladi Festival

In Sonic Bridges, Marmoucha Orchestra and guembri master Mehdi Nassouli join forces in a captivating blend of fiery Gnawa and contemporary jazz. After years of collaboration, a unique synergy emerged — one that seamlessly fuses tradition and innovation. Marmoucha Orchestra combines modern styles with musical traditions from Southwest Asia and North Africa. Mehdi Nassouli, known for his hypnotic guembri playing and powerful voice, brings the Gnawa tradition to life in a distinctive mix with jazz, classical, and pop.

Mounim Al Maghribi is a well-regarded singer within the Moroccan community both at home and abroad. During his performances, he is accompanied by his own orchestra and blends traditional Moroccan music with modern influences, making him popular among both Moroccan and broader European audiences.

Mohammed Benzakour (1972) is a writer, sociologist and columnist with Moroccan roots and a keen eye on the world around him. His work navigates the intersections of culture, climate and identity, always with a distinctive voice. Expect a passionate talk, full of sharp observations, humour and a touch of philosophy. Benzakour is a regular columnist for the Literature Museum, host of Bonjour with Benzakour, and author of The Giant from the Rif, among others. A thinker and a doer, who never shies away from speaking his mind.

Benzakour’s books will be available for purchase during the Bladi Festival.

Omar Ahaddaf was born in the 1970s in Tétouan, Morocco, where he studied theatre. At the age of 29, he came to the Netherlands illegally to pursue his dreams and attend the Amsterdam Theatre Academy. In 2006, he came second in the Knock Out Comedy Festival and was also a semi-finalist in the Culture Comedy Award that same year. As an actor, he has appeared in productions such as Mocro Maffia, Het Gouden Uur, De Tatta’s, and Marokkaanse Bruiloft. Omar is a regular performer at comedy clubs, where he is part of the line-up, and is currently developing a social-educational programme for teenagers.

Dwight Breinburg grew up in the Dutch province of Zeeland. From an early age, he was fascinated by the rhythms and melodies of Moroccan music. In 2011, he co-founded the Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra (AAO), a fertile ground where his talents as a versatile multi-instrumentalist flourished. Dwight’s renditions of classic Arabic songs are simply breathtaking. Developed in close partnership with his peers at the AAO, this new programme promises to be a journey through diverse musical styles and stories, with connection as its constant compass.

Imdoukal is a musical collective founded in the 1990s by a group of friends and neighbours of Berber descent who grew up in Belgium. What started with small performances at birthday parties and community events soon expanded to weddings, leading to the addition of three Arabic musicians to create a blend of Berber and Arabic music. Today, the group performs both nationally and internationally, including in the Netherlands, France, Luxembourg, and Germany. Their music brings cultures together and creates a festive atmosphere wherever they go. Be inspired by the art of henna and take home a unique, handmade masterpiece!