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The 19th edition of Jazzablanca, scheduled to take over Casablanca’s Anfa Park from July 2 to 11, 2026, has reached a new milestone with the reveal of the Scène 21 program. Designed as an immersive sanctuary for musical purists, Scène 21 embodies the festival’s core DNA—blending intimate atmospheres with cutting-edge global sounds.
A stage dedicated to contemporary jazz
Designed as an intimate musical setting, Scene 21 reflects the artistic spirit of Jazzablanca since the early editions of the festival.
According to the organizers, the stage will feature a new scenography this year, creating an immersive sound experience for audiences.
Over ten days, with two concerts scheduled each evening, Scene 21 will welcome around twenty artists exploring jazz, groove, soul, funk and cross-cultural musical influences.
International jazz and soul stars
The lineup features several internationally acclaimed musicians.
British-Bahraini trumpeter Yazz Ahmed will present a musical universe blending Middle Eastern sonorities with modern jazz forms.
American trumpeter Theo Croker will deliver a bold interpretation of contemporary jazz mixing improvisation, groove and urban influences.
American singer and composer José James will bring his distinctive sound combining jazz, soul and R&B.
Other highlights include Haitian-Canadian saxophonist Jowee Omicil and French-Moroccan trumpeter and composer Daoud, whose work merges jazz, electronic music and contemporary sounds.
British saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings, a key figure of London’s modern jazz scene, will perform with his latest project, Shabaka.
Japanese pianist Hiromi, internationally recognized for her virtuosic performances and creative energy, will close this sequence with an intense performance.
Soul, groove and African musical heritage
The program also celebrates soul, groove and African musical traditions.
The Franco-Congolese duo Tshegue will combine rock energy with percussion and rhythms inspired by Kinshasa.
Belgian singer Selah Sue will present her modern soul sound with pop influences.
American musician Brian Jackson, a major figure of jazz-funk and longtime collaborator of Gil Scott-Heron, will perform classics such as “The Bottle” and “Winter in America” alongside tracks from his latest project Now More Than Ever.
Nigerian guitarist and singer Keziah Jones, creator of the blufunk style, will return to Jazzablanca with new compositions from his album Alive & Kicking.
The British collective Nubiyan Twist will fuse afrobeat, jazz, soul, hip-hop and Latin music, while American band Thee Sacred Souls will revive the elegance of classic soul.
Three-time Grammy Award winner Fantastic Negrito will bring a powerful blend of blues, rock and funk.
A platform for diverse musical voices
Scene 21 will also welcome Angolan legend Bonga, whose music has influenced generations across Africa.
Moroccan rapper Small X will present a live project with the Paris-based jazz collective AMG and Moroccan beatmaker Saib, combining rap, jazz and lo-fi electronic production.
The Barcelona Gipsy Balkan Orchestra will perform a repertoire inspired by Balkan and Mediterranean musical traditions.
Moroccan singer Ami Taf Ra will bring a sound blending soul, jazz and contemporary influences.
American artist Madison McFerrin, daughter of legendary musician Bobby McFerrin, will showcase her alternative soul style built around innovative vocal techniques.
The Moroccan duo Hind Ennaira and Omary will also perform a project combining Gnawa music, electronic sounds and urban rhythms.
With such a diverse and ambitious program, Scene 21 promises to be one of the highlights of Jazzablanca 2026.
| Genre Highlight | Featured Artists |
|---|---|
| Contemporary Jazz | Theo Croker, Yazz Ahmed, Daoud |
| Soul & Funk | Thee Sacred Souls, Brian Jackson, José James |
| Afro-Groove | Bonga, Tshegue, Nubiyan Twist, Keziah Jones |
| Modern Fusion | Small X, Hind Ennaira X Omary, Selah Sue |
