CasaNola Festival Brings Jazz, and Culinary Delights to Casablanca, June 12-14
The rhythmic spirit of New Orleans echoed through the heart of Casablanca on Tuesday, as the inaugural CasaNola Jazz Festival opened with a vibrant second-line parade in Parc de la Ligue Arabe. Led by the legendary James Andrews and his brass band, joined by a colorful Mardi Gras Indian troupe, the parade marked the start of a bold three-day celebration of jazz, Moroccan culture, and cross-continental collaboration.
Running from June 12 to 14, the festival is the result of a pioneering partnership between Morocco’s AVEMPACE cultural association and the New Orleans Jazz Museum. It brings together American and Moroccan musicians for concerts, jam sessions, masterclasses, and culinary experiences designed to encourage artistic dialogue and foster cultural diplomacy.
“This is the first time this festival is being held with support from both AVEMPACE and the New Orleans Jazz Museum, which is especially meaningful to me as a Louisianan,” said Marissa Scott, U.S. Consul General in Casablanca. “Cultural diplomacy matters. Relationships between nations are not built solely in boardrooms they’re forged through music, art, and human connection. Jazz, as a uniquely American art form, opens the door to collaboration and unity.”
At this year’s CasaNola Festival in Casablanca, the culinary spotlight shines on Chef Baya, a proud ambassador of modern Moroccan cuisine. Representing the vibrant flavors of Morocco, Chef Baya brings a bold gastronomic experience to the rhythm of jazz—blending tradition with innovation.
Featured prominently at the festival’s food court, Chef Baya curates a menu that reflects both the richness of Moroccan heritage and the contemporary energy of CasaNola. With each dish, he tells a story rooted in spices, textures, and cultural memory while embracing creative flair that resonates with the festival’s spirit of exchange and fusion.
His presence adds depth to CasaNola’s mission: it’s not just about music, but a full sensory celebration where sound, taste, and culture intersect. Whether you’re savoring his take on a classic tagine or a bold reinterpretation of street food, Chef Baya invites festival-goers to explore Moroccan cuisine in new, exciting ways.
At the creative helm is CasaNola’s artistic director, Mahmoud Chouki, a Moroccan guitarist and composer now based in New Orleans. For Chouki, the festival is the culmination of a long-held dream. “Just a few months ago, this was only an ideabringing a New Orleans-style brass band and second-line parade to Casablanca,” he shared. “Now, we’re exchanging much more than music—we’re sharing food, stories, and creativity. This is about building bridges between Morocco and the U.S.”
Greg Lambousy, director of the New Orleans Jazz Museum, echoed that sentiment. “This is our first time in Morocco, and it’s exciting,” he said. “Jazz is not just something we preserve it’s something we evolve. Whether it’s traditional New Orleans sounds or modern blends with funk and hip-hop, jazz remains a living language of innovation.”
For AVEMPACE founder Karim Taissir, seeing CasaNola come to life was no small feat. “It was tough. At first, many people didn’t understand the vision. Sponsors were hesitant,” he admitted. “But we believed in this cultural exchange. And today, with support from artists, institutions, and the U.S. Consulate, it feels like a dream realized. And it’s just the beginning.”
The festival continues through June 14, with headline performances by James Andrews, Dr. Michael White, Mahmoud Chouki, and Moroccan talents such as Adil Chrafi and Alaa Zouiten. Adding a flavorful twist, chef Jake Kazy of New Orleans’ iconic Commander’s Palace is also on hand to serve up Louisiana-inspired dishes, bringing a full sensory experience to the celebration.
From the brass of Bourbon Street to the soul of Casablanca, CasaNola is more than a music festival it’s a cultural movement in the making.
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