Jamel Debbouze Reflects on 10 Years of Marrakech Comedy Festival’s Success

After a forced break due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Marrakech festival returned to the scene for the celebration of its ten years of existence. A much-anticipated moment by the public who enjoyed it from June 15 to 18. Mission accomplished for Jamel Debbouze who, during a meeting organized with the press on June 18 at the Palais Es Saadi, declared that the artists and the spectators were eagerly awaiting this anniversary edition of Marrakech du rire.

"Everyone suffered during the lockdown, especially the artists. We were solicited almost by all the artists, except those who had other commitments. The seats were gone in 29 minutes. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the authorizations to play in all the desired places, but we did what we could. Next year, we will discover more artists and more shows."

Since its creation, the festival has always taken place at the Palais Badii. A rule that the comedian does not intend to deviate from, even if over the years, the space can barely contain the flow of spectators coming from everywhere. "We can’t imagine doing it anywhere else, but we’ve done some scouting to perform in other places in Marrakech, in the coming editions."

For three days, Jamel surrounded himself with artists and other stars who, through their presence, managed to give a special shine to this anniversary edition. Jamel Debbouze is proud, happy, and especially grateful to Morocco, his first supporter for ten years. "It’s been 10 years that we’ve been carrying this festival with a lot of emotions. It’s normal to go back to Morocco to organize this show. It’s to say thank you," he said.

Marrakech du rire was a response to the violence of the Argana attack. With the support of several authorities, the comedian wanted to show that culture could soothe hearts. Since then, it has become a way to make Moroccan artists known, who according to him, are full of talent and need to be known and promoted beyond Moroccan borders. "Moroccan comedians have an extraordinary reservoir. They are great professionals and a force of proposal that we want to help export."

For the next edition, Jamel promises pleasant surprises, with the presence of more football and cinema stars, and always this desire to promote above all living together, tolerance. Jamel Debbouze says he is "motivated" and "committed" to taking on other challenges of Marrakech du rire.