Strings of the Soul: Moroccan-Andalusian Melodies Enchant New Delhi

India Morocco

In a celebration steeped in cultural exuberance, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco presented an unforgettable evening of Moroccan-Andalusian music and symphonic fusion on July 28, 2025 at Sathya Sai Auditorium in New Delhi. Held on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the enthronement of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, the event offered a rich tapestry of sound and spirit that mesmerized a packed audience of diplomats, artists, scholars, and music lovers.

The concert was graced by the presence of His Excellency Mohamed Maliki, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to India, who warmly welcomed guests and hosted the evening with customary Moroccan empathy. In his address, Ambassador Maliki highlighted the deep-rooted cultural ties between Morocco and India, underscoring the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together. The event, he noted, was a tribute not only to His Majesty’s visionary leadership but also to the shared heritage of two great civilizations. He also highlighted the importance of holding this musical evening in the precincts of a temple in New Delhi.

At the heart of the performance was a soul-stirring collaboration between India’s celebrated Sufi vocalist Zila Khan and the acclaimed Rawafid Ensemble, directed by the eminent Moroccan maestro Omar Metioui. Together, they wove a fascinating musical narrative showcasing  the elegance and intricacy of Moroccan-Andalusian melodies.

Maestro Metioui, a master of traditional Moroccan instruments and a custodian of Andalusian musical heritage, led the Rawafid Ensemble with nuanced precision. Their compositions evoked the poetic rhythms of Al-Andalus, blending seamlessly with the mystic cadence of Zila Khan’s powerful voice, rooted in the Indian Sufi tradition. The collaboration was not merely a performance but a dialogue — a meditative journey that resonated with the audience at both a cultural and emotional level.

In honoring the 26th anniversary of His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s enthronement with such a resonant artistic gesture, the Embassy of Morocco reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy and people-to-people engagement.

Beyond the music, the evening served as a celebration of the enduring friendship between India and Morocco — a relationship built on shared values, mutual respect, and a common appreciation for the arts.