The 2026 Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira, Morocco, featured a special collaboration between Cameroonian bassist Richard Bona and Moroccan maâlems (Gnaoua masters). The event, held from June 25 to 27, 2026, highlighted the fusion of African rhythms and Gnaoua traditions.
Richard Bona, known for his work in jazz and world music, performed alongside maâlems such as Abderrahim Amrani and Mustapha Bakbou. Their set included traditional Gnaoua songs reinterpreted with Bona's bass and vocals, creating a bridge between sub-Saharan and North African musical heritage.
The festival also featured other international artists, but the Bona-maâlem collaboration was a highlight, drawing large crowds to the Moulay Hassan Square. Organizers emphasized the event's role in promoting cultural dialogue through music.
