By John Owoo
(Agadir – Morocco)
The 2025 edition of Timitar Music Festival once again affirmed Agadir’s status as one of North Africa’s most vibrant cultural crossroads, transforming the city’s central public squares into a pulsating arena of sound, movement, and shared identity.
Authentic to its enduring theme, “Signs and Cultures,” Timitar Festival delivered a powerful celebration of Amazigh heritage while embracing a rich spectrum of global musical expressions.
Initiated by the Agadir Souss-Massa regional council as a cultural meeting point for Amazigh artists and world musicians, Timitar has grown into one of Morocco’s most inclusive festivals.
Under the presidency of Aziz Akhennouch and the artistic direction of Brahim El Mazned, the festival continues to stand out for its commitment to free access, cultural diversity, and creative excellence—values fully evident in 2025.
Thousands of music lovers filled Agadir’s main square and Théâtre Verdure nightly, drawn by the festival’s electrifying atmosphere and the promise of discovery. Traditional Amazigh instruments and melodies resonated alongside contemporary interpretations, underscoring the festival’s commitment to honoring heritage without freezing it in time.
Among the standout performances were Amazigh group AZA, Marwa Naji, Hicham Temoudi Orchestra, Gabonese star Shan’L, and Mozambican artist Isabel Novella, whose appearances injected fresh energy into the program. Shan’L captivated audiences with her bold stage presence and empowering messages, blending Afro-pop rhythms with themes of female strength and self-assertion.
AZA mesmerized the audience with a rich fusion that wove Amazigh musical traditions into the textures of jazz, blues, and funk. Strokes from Telmoudi’s violin revealed a new texture, transforming the instrument into a vessel for Moroccan rhythms and melodies rarely associated with its sound. Indeed, the performance felt intensely personal—at times declarative, at others enigmatic—elevating music into a language of shared feeling.
By contrast, Novella offered a more introspective yet equally compelling set, weaving cultural depth and emotional nuance into her performance. Both artists were warmly received, reinforcing Timitar’s reputation as a platform where African voices from across the continent resonate.
The festival’s celebratory mood reached an emotional peak when news broke of Morocco’s victory over Jordan in the 2025 Arab Football Cup. The spontaneous eruption of cheers, songs, and dance blurred the line between a music festival and a national celebration, underscoring Timitar’s deep connection to Moroccan collective life.
Beyond the stages, Timitar remained a whole sensory experience. The cool Atlantic breeze, the aroma of freshly grilled seafood, and the sight of colorful costumes weaving through the crowds added layers to the festivities, transforming each evening into a communal ritual rather than a mere concert.
With a legacy of performances by icons such as Youssou N’Dour, Alpha Blondy, Salif Keita, and Rokia Traoré, Timitar 2025 upheld its status as a festival where Amazigh culture meets the world—not as a spectacle, but as a living, evolving conversation.
Pictures – Timitar Music Festival
