Zamane Festival 2026: M’Hamid Celebrates Ahidous Heritage
Zamane Festival Returns from December 3 to 6, 2026, to M’Hamid El Ghizlane
The Zamane Festival is set to take place from December 3 to 6, 2026, in M’Hamid El Ghizlane, located in the province of Zagora. This fifth edition will focus on the Ahidous singing style, an emblematic expression of Amazigh musical and choreographic heritage. Organized by the Joudour Sahara association, founded by Halim Sbai, the event will bring together over 150 musicians specialized in this traditional art form, alongside Moroccan and international artists.
A Musical Program Blending Traditions and International Influence
This upcoming edition aims to celebrate the richness of the musical heritage of southern Morocco while fostering its transmission to younger generations. The lineup includes several artists, notably Oum, Bassekou Kouyaté & Amy Sacko, and Daraa Tribes.
Through this gathering of traditional musicians and artists from diverse backgrounds, the Zamane Festival aims to promote cultural dialogue and preserve artistic expressions that are vital to Amazigh identity.
Culture as a Catalyst for Local Development
Beyond the performances, the festival is committed to contributing to local development. The programming includes conferences, artistic encounters, and initiatives focused on enhancing the skills of women’s cooperatives.
Environmental commitment is also a key focus of this edition. An initiative to plant over 200 trees will be organized to help preserve the oasis ecosystems, which play a crucial role in the environmental balance of this southeastern Moroccan region.
Joudour Sahara Cultural Center Opens Its Doors
One of the highlights of this fifth edition will be the inauguration on December 3 of the Joudour Sahara Cultural Center. This new facility marks a significant step in the association’s commitment to cultural creation and transmission.
Equipped with an auditorium and a recording studio, the center aims to be a permanent space dedicated to learning, artistic creation, and cultural exchanges. It aspires to provide artists and younger generations with an environment conducive to discovering, practicing, and revitalizing local musical traditions.
With this fifth edition and the opening of this new cultural space, the Zamane Festival reaffirms its commitment to making musical heritage a driving force for cultural radiance and development in M’Hamid El Ghizlane.
