Brahim El Mazned takes the helm as artistic director of Rabat's Royal Theatre

Renowned as the director and founder of Visa For Music since 2014 and the artistic director of the Timitar Festival, cultural entrepreneur Brahim El Mazned made his debut yesterday as the Deputy General Director and Artistic Director of the Royal Theatre of Rabat. During the opening performance, he spoke to MAP, highlighting that this venue represents both architectural boldness and cultural ambition, driven by the sovereign's vision for Morocco.

He described the opening as an «exceptional artistic moment» that «marks a major step in the development and cultural influence of the city of Rabat and Morocco». The Royal Theatre features «a large auditorium with 1,800 seats, an intimate theater, and an outdoor amphitheater with 7,000 seats», establishing the capital as a leading artistic destination globally.

Before taking on the artistic direction of this new cultural landmark, Brahim El Mazned was known for founding Visa For Music, a pivotal market and forum for the music industry in Africa and the Middle East, and for his work with the Timitar Festival. Holding a degree in geography and history, he was recognized among the «100 most influential personalities in the field of sustainable cultural development» in «The Adventurers of Culture: Guide to Cultural Diversity».

With over twenty-five years of experience, Brahim El Mazned has become a key figure in promoting Moroccan, local, and regional cultures, known for programming and hosting impactful artistic events. His initiatives with Anya, a company in the music industry, include creating an anthology dedicated to the art of Aïta (Chioukhs and Chikhates of Morocco) and the Rways.

He is also a member of several institutions, such as the European Forum of Worldwide Music Festivals (EFWMF), the Hiba Foundation, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), and the Global Music Market Network (GloMMnet). In 2016, he established MoMEx, the export office for promoting Moroccan music worldwide.

Brahim El Mazned was also appointed as a member of the EU/UNESCO Expert Facility 2019-2022, supporting the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.