Jazzablanca’s ultimate night: Caravan Palace and Black Eyed Peas light up the stage
A Night of Rhythm and Unity at Jazzablanca
The third night of Jazzablanca was a vibrant celebration that brought together music lovers from all walks of life. With an electrifying lineup featuring Caravan Palace and the Black Eyed Peas, the event showcased the power of music to connect people through rhythm, energy, and shared experiences.
A Shift in Atmosphere
On the third day of this 18th edition of Jazzablanca, the atmosphere was markedly different from the previous two days. The venue was buzzing with festivalgoers, more than ever before. This time, a younger crowd had gathered, eager for an unforgettable experience. The stage was set for a fiery performance that would leave everyone talking for weeks.
Nubya Garcia: A Powerful Start
The party began at Scene 21 with British jazz musician Nubya Nyasha Garcia. As a saxophonist, composer, and bandleader, she delivered a powerful performance that immediately captivated the audience. Her extraordinary saxophone riffs set the tone for the night, creating an energetic atmosphere that encouraged dancing and celebration.
Caravan Palace: Electro-Jazz in Casablanca
Later, on the Casablanca Anfa stage, the French electro-swing band Caravan Palace made their debut in Morocco. Their performance was met with enthusiasm from a predominantly young crowd, whose numbers far exceeded those of the previous nights. The band kicked off their set with a head-banging, jazzy performance filled with saxophone, clarinet, and trombone solos.
Lead singer Zoé Colotis greeted the crowd with excitement, saying, “Bonsoir Casa! You can’t believe how happy we are to be here for the first time.” One of the band members even spoke in Darija, adding a local touch to their performance. The band’s charisma and stage presence were magnetic, drawing the entire venue into their world of music.
With hits like “Mirrors,” “Wonderland,” and “Lone Digger,” Caravan Palace had the crowd clapping, jumping, and singing along. The show reached a theatrical climax with a slow-motion robot dance before diving back into a full-throttle party mode. By the end of their set, the crowd was fully fired up, eagerly awaiting the night’s headliner: The Black Eyed Peas.
The Black Eyed Peas: A High-Octane Performance
The transition to The Black Eyed Peas was seamless. Spectacular visuals lit up the stage as the iconic group made their entrance to deafening screams. They opened with “Let’s Get It Started,” instantly setting the crowd in motion. J. Rey Soul, the group’s female vocalist, took the stage with her phone in hand, capturing the roaring crowd.
Will.i.am, one of the group’s members, addressed the crowd, saying, “We came to Morocco for one thing. Morocco rocks!” The crowd responded with cheers, shouting, “Morocco! Morocco!” The setlist included fan favorites such as “Boom Boom Pow,” “Pump It,” “Mamacita,” and “The Time (Dirty Bit).” The group promised, “This is not the last time we’re coming back. We’ll visit Marrakech, but Casablanca is the best!”
A Night to Remember
The audience roared in delight during “Where Is the Love?” as they waved heart signs and phone flashlights. The whole venue pulsed with emotion and unity. A freestyle shoutout to Morocco, live guitar riffs, and multiple encores, including “I Gotta Feeling,” kept the party going late into the night.
The evening closed with an explosion of confetti and a powerful moment as will.i.am returned to the stage draped in the Moroccan flag, taking a bow with the rest of the band. The night was a celebration of rhythm, emotion, and connection, showcasing Casablanca’s true festival spirit.