MOGA at Ten: Daox and Mathieu on Its Atlantic Story
A Decade Shaped by Music
Founded in Essaouira in 2016 by Matthieu Corosine, Abdeslam Alaoui, known as Daox, and Benoit Geli, MOGA has grown into a leading electronic music gathering. For this anniversary interview, Nighty Magazine met with co-founders Abdeslam Alaoui and Matthieu Corosine to reflect on the festival’s journey.
MOGA Essaouira 2026: A Milestone Edition
Reaching this point required resilience. Daox and Mathieu describe the journey through the ground covered, the challenges overcome and the battles fought to protect the original vision.
Today, that vision feels more complete. MOGA has developed a distinctive identity shaped by electronic music, creative exchange and the Atlantic spirit of Essaouira.
An Off-Programme With Its Own Identity
The off-programme has remained central to MOGA since the festival launched in 2016. However, it began taking a more defined form in 2022, with dedicated programming on Wednesday and Thursday.
This year, the off-programme becomes even more ambitious. It brings together Moroccan and international collectives alongside cultural activities throughout Essaouira.
Festivalgoers can discover the city through guided tours, a port visit and an evening ride with Yassine Cavalier. In addition, two free concerts will open the MOGA experience to a wider public.
Moroccan Talent at the Centre
The place given to Moroccan artists reflects the festival’s long-term ambition. Between 60 and 70% of the artists across the main and off-programmes are Moroccan.
For Daox and Mathieu, this representation is a source of pride. MOGA brings together artists and collectives from different cities, allowing them to share their music, ideas and individual stories.
Above all, the platform creates connections within the national scene. It places established names, emerging artists and international guests within the same creative conversation.
A Lineup With International Reach
The anniversary edition welcomes ANOTR, Jamie Jones and The Martinez Brothers as its leading headliners. Their presence gives the programme significant international weight.
Still, the lineup remains closely connected to MOGA’s Moroccan roots. The balance between international names and national talent reflects the festival’s vision of exchange rather than simple scale.
A New Festival Setting
Behind the programme, the teams have spent six months working on the staging, decoration and overall festival environment. The objective is to create a renewed visual experience across the different stages.
Daox and Mathieu are keeping several details under wraps. However, they promise a new setup designed to elevate the scenography and offer returning guests a sense of discovery.
Essaouira as the True Headliner
Music remains central to MOGA, yet Essaouira gives the festival its character. Its port, architecture, Atlantic light and creative energy shape the entire experience.
Therefore, the city is more than a backdrop. From the off-programme to the main stages, Essaouira becomes an active part of the festival’s identity and rhythm.
From Essaouira to Bahia
Beyond Morocco, MOGA is preparing its next Atlantic chapter. In November 2027, the festival will travel to Bahia, connecting two coastlines through music, culture and shared energy.
The expansion carries MOGA’s Moroccan roots into a new destination. Furthermore, it confirms the strength of an idea born in Essaouira and shaped over a decade of movement and connection.
The Next Chapter Begins
For Daox and Mathieu, ten years of MOGA celebrate both the journey and what lies ahead. The anniversary edition honours the people, artists and cities that helped build its story.
As MOGA returns to Essaouira, the festival enters its next decade with a stronger programme, a renewed visual identity and an increasingly international horizon.
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