Morocco

Maâlem Mohamed Kouyou

Mohamed Fafy—AKA Maâlem Mohamed Kouyou—was initiated into the Tagnouite art by his mother, who would take him to lilas and moussems such as Moulay Brahim and Tamesloht. Today he has become one of the most respected members of the brotherhood. After his mother’s passing, Maâlem Moulay El Hassan undertook the boy’s education, and brought him to Casablanca. Gifted and passionate, he earned the title of maâlem in 1980 in Marrakech. He created his own group and began to perform across Morocco and abroad. The debut of his international career took place in 1984, when he opened the Moroccan Pavilion at Disney World in Florida. He spent a year in residence there, followed by worldwide tours. For this 24th edition, Mohamed Kouyou promises an explosive opening concert in fusion with the Tambours du Burundi-Amagaba , Jaleel Shaw, and Sanaa Marahati.