MAÂLEM MOHAMED KOUYOU

Immersed in the world of Tagnaouite since childhood, Mohamed Fafy—better known by his stage name of Maâlem Mohamed Kouyou—was initiated by his mother, who took him to lilas and moussems, especially those of Moulay Brahim and Tamesloht. After her passing, he was taken under the wing of Maâlem Moulay El Hassan, who brought him to Casablanca to continue his apprenticeship. His talent and passion soon earned him the title maâlem in 1980 in Marrakech, where he founded his own group and performed on Moroccan stages. His rise took on an international dimension in 1984, when he was chosen to open the Moroccan Pavilion at Disney World, in Florida. He spent a year there, the beginning of a long series of tours around the world. Respected as one of the greatest Gnaoua masters, Maâlem Mohamed Kouyou carries on and modernises the tradition, transmitting his heritage while raising awareness about Gnaoua music well-beyond the borders of Morocco.

After his fire performance at the opening concert for the 24th edition of the Festival, he returns in 2025 for a new and powerful fusion alongside Rhani Krija, Jon Grandcamp, HBS Trumpet, Kike Perdomo, and Guimba Kouyaté.