Will Smith is heading back to the stage—and this time, it’s in Morocco.
The iconic rapper and actor will perform on June 25 at the OLM Souissi stage during the 2025 edition of the Mawazine Festival, which runs from June 20 to June 28 and marks the start of his European tour.
Mawazine is an international music festival that began in 2001 and is hosting its 20th edition this year. As one of the largest music festivals in the world, the event attracts more than 2.5 million attendees each year.
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The gig marks a rare and highly anticipated return to music for the Hollywood star, who spent the last few decades focusing almost entirely on film.
Before becoming a blockbuster fixture, Smith broke into the spotlight as half of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. The pair became one of rap’s early mainstream success stories, earning a Grammy for the wildly popular track “Parents Just Don’t Understand” and later cementing their legacy with the timeless summer anthem “Summertime.”
Smith eventually launched a solo career that produced global hits like “Men in Black,” “Wild Wild West,” and “Gettin’ Jiggy wit It,” elevating him to a level of pop culture fame few artists ever reach.
His upcoming appearance at Mawazine is expected to be one of the festival’s biggest highlights, drawing in longtime fans nostalgic for his 90s-era sound, as well as a new generation curious to see him return to his musical roots. The event is poised to deliver not just a performance but a cultural moment, bridging decades of influence in music and entertainment.
Smith won’t be the internationally renowned artist commanding the stage at this year’s festival. Two days before his performance, on June 23, Kid Cudi is set to perform at the same venue.
Headliners for this edition include renowned artists such as 50 Cent, Becky G, Salif Keita, Julian Marley, and the K-pop group aespa. Will Smith will perform on June 25 at the OLM Souissi stage, while Salif Keita, the Golden Voice of Mali, will deliver an emotive performance on June 27 at the Bouregreg stage.
The festival also highlights African artists such as Yemi Alade, Cheikh Lô, Etuk Ubong, and ElGrandeToto, reflecting the continent’s rich musical heritage. With over 90% of concerts offering free access, Mawazine continues to promote cultural openness and accessibility to music for all.