RABAT-
The global cultural and creative industry has once again turned its attention to Morocco as renowned cultural entrepreneur and festival director, Ebrahim El Mazned, emerged as the winner of the highly prestigious 21st UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture. The award recognizes his exceptional contributions toward promoting Arab arts, African heritage, and Amazigh cultural identity on the global stage.
Widely respected across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, Ebrahim El Mazned has built an outstanding reputation as one of the leading cultural ambassadors connecting continents through music, arts, and creative industries. His dedication to cultural diplomacy and sustainable creative development has positioned him among the most influential figures in the international cultural landscape.
El Mazned is the Founder and Director of Visa For Music, the first professional music market and festival in Africa and the Middle East, headquartered in Rabat, Morocco. Since its establishment, Visa For Music has become one of the continent’s most important cultural platforms, bringing together artists, festival directors, producers, promoters, and creative industry professionals from across the world. The initiative has significantly contributed to the international visibility of African and Arab music while creating economic opportunities for emerging talents.
In addition to his work with Visa For Music, El Mazned has served as the Artistic Director of the internationally acclaimed Timitar Festival of World Music in Agadir since 2004. The festival is recognized globally for celebrating Amazigh culture and showcasing the rich diversity of world music. Under his artistic leadership, the festival has grown into one of Africa’s most respected cultural events.
Further demonstrating his immense influence within the arts sector, Ebrahim El Mazned was appointed Deputy General Director and Artistic Director of the prestigious Royal Theater of Rabat, one of Morocco’s leading cultural institutions dedicated to advancing artistic excellence and cultural exchange.
His international recognition extends beyond the UNESCO-Sharjah Prize. El Mazned previously served as a member of the EU/UNESCO Bank of Expertise, where he advised on cultural policy development and creative industries. His commitment to advancing arts and culture also earned him the distinguished Insigne d’Officier des Arts et des Lettres from the French Ministry of Culture.
In recognition of his transformative role in sustainable cultural development, he was also featured in the renowned Les Aventuriers de la Culture guide as one of the Top 100 Leaders in sustainable cultural development globally.
Throughout his career, Ebrahim El Mazned has consistently worked to build bridges between African, Arab, Middle Eastern, and Western creative industries. Through his extensive cultural initiatives and international collaborations, he has empowered countless artists by providing access to global networks, performance opportunities, and professional development platforms.
His latest recognition through the UNESCO-Sharjah Prize further solidifies his place as a major force in the promotion of intercultural dialogue, artistic innovation, and cultural heritage preservation. The award not only celebrates his personal achievements but also highlights the growing importance of Africa and the Arab world in shaping the future of global culture and creative economies.
As the founder of Visa For Music, El Mazned continues to inspire a new generation of cultural entrepreneurs and artists, reinforcing the power of music and culture as tools for unity, development, and international cooperation.
