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Bob Maghrib is making a triumphant return with a revamped lineup, more than a decade after their initial journey began. Their official relaunch was marked by a concert on April 1, 2026, at Casablanca's Studio des Arts Vivants. The stage was graced by Adil Hanine on drums and vocals, Foulane Bouhssine playing the ribab, violin, and providing vocals, Anas Chlih on the outar and vocals, Fayçal Boudli on bass, Simo Babara handling percussion and backing vocals, Mourad Belouadi on the guembri and vocals, and Wassim Taghzouti on keyboards and backing vocals.
The project is being revived with «a contemporary and profoundly Moroccan reinterpretation of Bob Marley’s legacy,» creating «an unprecedented dialogue between Jamaican reggae and the richness of Morocco's musical heritage,» according to a statement. It is described as «more than a tribute,» positioned at the intersection of «Jamaican rhythms, Maghreb traditions, and the vibrant energy of African music.»
In this innovative blend, the guembri harmonizes with the bass to strengthen the rhythmic foundation, complemented by traditional percussion that syncs seamlessly with reggae grooves. «The ribab, outar, and oud offer unique melodic textures, enhancing the arrangements with a distinctive acoustic palette,» the statement elaborates.
This «hybrid sound universe» has successfully crafted «an immersive and unifying show» centered around «universal messages of freedom, resistance, and cultural dialogue.» The ensemble promises to bring «a new depth» to Bob Marley’s timeless classics, such as «Africa Unite,» «Could You Be Loved,» «Get Up Stand Up,» «Exodus,» and «War.»
The Bob Maghrib project originated from a residency initiated in 2011 by musician Hicham Bajjou and organized by the EAC-L’Boulvart association. It has since captivated audiences at international festivals, including the Africa Festival in Germany, Les Nuits de Fourvière in Lyon, France, Pirineos Sur in Spain, the Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira, Morocco, the Cairo Jazz Festival in Egypt, and Sauti Za Busara in Zanzibar.
