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The 19th edition of the Jazzablanca Festival kicked off on Thursday evening at Anfa Park in Casablanca with a spectacular opening night featuring artists from diverse musical backgrounds, headlined by global superstar Robbie Williams.
Making his first-ever performance in Morocco and North Africa, the British pop icon delivered a show worthy of his reputation as both an accomplished performer and an exceptional showman. Welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd at the Casa Anfa stage, Williams opened with his hit Let Me Entertain You, setting the tone with his trademark energy.
Relaxed and engaging throughout the concert, he interacted frequently with the audience, sharing anecdotes from his career and personal life. Backed by a talented band and dancers, Williams took concertgoers on a musical journey blending pop, alternative rock, dance and jazz.
He performed many of his biggest hits, including Rock DJ, She's the One, Rocket, Something Beautiful and Feel, with fans singing along throughout the evening. Showcasing his powerful and versatile voice, he effortlessly alternated between energetic pop-rock anthems and heartfelt ballads, highlighting the breadth of his repertoire.
Williams also paid tribute to classic standards with performances of New York, New York and My Way. He closed the concert with one of his most beloved songs, Angels, before leaving the stage with chants of «Dima Maghrib» and a message wishing Morocco's national football team good luck in the World Cup.
Earlier in the evening, French band Deluxe took to the Casa Anfa stage with an energetic performance that blended funk, hip-hop, soul, jazz, pop and electronic music. Known as one of France's most original musical acts, the six-member group captivated the audience with colorful costumes, infectious energy and an eclectic sound.
Speaking to MAP, the band's singer, Liliboy, said it was «a great honor» to perform at Jazzablanca and meet the Moroccan audience for the first time.
«We're presenting songs from our seventh album, Ça fait plaisir», she said. «It's music that won't change the world, but it brings joy and emotion».
Meanwhile, on Stage 21, British-Bahraini trumpeter Yazz Ahmed immersed audiences in what she describes as «psychedelic Arabic jazz». Speaking to MAP, she explained that her music reflects her dual cultural heritage by combining Arabic rhythms, jazz harmonies and electronic textures.
Running through July 11, the festival is hosting 40 concerts at Anfa Park and 10 free performances at the Arab League Park.
