On July 30, a press conference was held at 5:00 PM at the Instituto Cervantes in Rabat, organized by Hip Hop Family, to present the official program and vision behind the 12th edition of YO! FEST. Scheduled from August 28 to 31, 2025, this year’s edition promises to be more than a festival — it aims to be a movement for youth empowerment, artistic innovation, and cultural renewal in Morocco’s capital city.
In his opening remarks, festival chair Moussa Laarif emphasized the event’s mission to empower young talent. He stated, “This year’s YO! FEST is here to once again reaffirm the importance of supporting youth by giving opportunities to more than 15 emerging artistic groups. The organizing committee firmly believes in creating a cultural event that moves away from celebrity names and entertainment for entertainment’s sake.”
This philosophy of moving away from celebrity culture is not just a programming choice—it is a statement of intent. In a recent interview with The New Africa Magazine, Laarif stated, “We’re not building a festival around fame, we’re building it around meaning. The power of a cultural event should lie in its ability to elevate new voices, to shift perspectives, and to create impact. Our goal is to offer substance, not spectacle.” By doing so, YO! FEST challenges the conventional festival model and redefines what a cultural gathering can and should be: inclusive, accessible, and transformative.
Shifting the spotlight toward emerging artists is a timely and necessary act in today’s cultural landscape. In a world where mainstream platforms often favor visibility over originality, YO! FEST stands out by valuing fresh voices and untold stories. This approach not only democratizes access to the stage but also injects new energy and relevance into the cultural dialogue. By offering these young artists the space to perform, reflect, and grow, the festival nurtures the creative ecosystem from the ground up—ensuring that tomorrow’s cultural leaders are discovered today.
This year’s edition is held under the theme “Towards 2030: Rabat, Land of Passion and Hospitality,” in line with Morocco’s growing cultural and sporting momentum as it prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Spain has been named the guest country of honor for this edition, highlighting shared ties and creative exchange between the two nations.
YO! FEST 2025 will showcase a rich and diverse musical lineup, from emotionally charged slam poetry to rhythm-driven fusion music, from the raw energy of contemporary rap to the transcendent, globally recognized sounds of Gnawa music.
Events will take place across three key venues in Rabat: Hassan II Park, the Instituto Cervantes, and the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services, which will also host a series of roundtable discussions and cultural encounters.
Organized by Hip Hop Family in collaboration with 365 Opportunities and supported by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, YO! FEST 2025 aims to energize Rabat with creativity and expression, promote local tourism and Moroccan craftsmanship, and offer an essential platform for emerging artists from both Morocco and abroad.
More than a cultural event, YO! FEST 2025 is a declaration: that culture is not a luxury, but a foundation for progress — and that the future belongs to those who dare to create it.
