🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Ninho to open Mawazine Festival, Rhythms of the World on June 19
via Le Matin1 min read
The Mawazine Festival has announced that Ninho will perform on the international stage of OLM Souissi on Friday, June 19, 2026. Born in 1996, Ninho became a prominent figure in French rap in 2016 with his mixtape M.I.L.S. Since then, he has achieved critical and commercial success, with four diamond-certified albums. This performance marks the first announcement for the 2026 program. The festival will feature international stars, leading oriental artists, global rhythms, and Moroccan talents, according to the organizers. The 20th anniversary edition of Mawazine attracted over 3.75 million festival-goers and more than 100 artists from around the world.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
Bayern Munich is reportedly pursuing Ismael Saibari, a 25-year-old Moroccan international from PSV Eindhoven, to strengthen its midfield. Saibari had an exceptional season, scoring 19 goals and providing 9 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions, and was named the best player in the Eredivisie. According to Foot Mercato, Bayern Munich has already reached an agreement with Saibari on a contract until 2030. However, negotiations with PSV are ongoing regarding the transfer fee. PSV is reportedly demanding at least 50 million euros, excluding bonuses, for the offensive midfielder. Despite the difference in valuation, optimism remains, and discussions are expected to continue. If the transfer materializes, Saibari, currently with the Atlas Lions in the United States for the 2026 World Cup, would join one of Europe's most prestigious clubs.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Brazil is meticulously preparing for its match against Morocco. Brazilian winger Raphinha confirmed that the Seleção's technical staff is analyzing Morocco's playing style, focusing on their strengths and weaknesses to optimize their preparation. He noted that the team still has several days to refine their strategy against the Moroccan squad, which has become a significant force in global football. Meanwhile, Portugal's Bruno Fernandes expressed a desire for a rematch against Morocco in the 2026 World Cup final. He cited the 2022 World Cup quarter-final, where Morocco defeated Portugal 1-0, as a lingering memory. Fernandes, whose friend Noussair Mazraoui plays for Morocco, stated his wish to beat them and exact revenge, highlighting the lasting impact of Morocco's historic achievement as the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.
Over 40,000 Moroccan residents in Spain are encountering significant difficulties with their driving licenses due to Spanish regulations concerning foreign permits. New residents can use their Moroccan license for six months, after which they must regularize their situation, a process proving complex for many. The main challenge for individuals like Abderrahim is passing the Spanish theoretical exams, despite being experienced drivers. This issue stems from a dispute in the early 2000s when Spanish authorities suspended direct conversion of some Moroccan licenses due to falsification and irregularities. Although relations between Rabat and Madrid have improved, and Morocco has modernized its licensing system with digital verification mechanisms, a specific group of Moroccans remains in an administrative gray area. These are individuals who obtained their Moroccan licenses while already legally residing in Spain, which excludes them from direct conversion and necessitates passing Spanish exams. For many, a driving license is crucial for professional and social integration, particularly in sectors like construction, agriculture, and delivery services, where mobility is essential for employment. The prospect of losing the right to drive causes significant concern, impacting income and family stability, in addition to daily constraints like transporting children and handling administrative tasks. Calls are growing for solutions that balance social and professional realities with