Marrakech, the city of contrasts, where centuries-old heritage meets cutting-edge creativity, will host a cultural milestone this October. The MDLBEAST Foundation is bringing its flagship initiative XCHANGE, alongside its groundbreaking women-led program Hunna, to Morocco for the very first time. The event will unfold on October 9–10, 2025, at The Source Marrakech Hotel, offering two days of dialogue, inspiration, and exchange that put women at the forefront of the music industry.
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Hunna: A Platform With Purpose
At the heart of this edition is Hunna, a program whose very name, derived from the Arabic plural of she, reflects its mission: to create spaces where women’s voices are amplified, valued, and celebrated. Hunna is not just about giving women a platform; it’s about building ecosystems of support, where mentorship, education, and visibility converge.
“Through Hunna, we are creating spaces where women in music feel supported, visible, and empowered,” said Nada Alhelabi, General Manager of the MDLBEAST Foundation.
This clear vision has already turned Hunna into a movement, reaching across the region through mentorship programs, listening circles, and showcases. Its arrival in Marrakech adds a new layer of meaning: bringing women’s voices into a city renowned for its creative pulse.
The Hunna Listening Circle: A Space for Dialogue and Discovery
The highlight of the Marrakech edition will be the Hunna Listening Circle, an intimate yet powerful space where voices from different corners of the industry come together. This isn’t just a panel discussion; it’s a laboratory of ideas, where participants and audiences alike can engage in conversations about visibility, mentorship, and the systemic challenges women face in music.
What makes this edition truly special is its lineup of guests, each bringing a unique perspective:
- Nassereddine Akel: A cultural entrepreneur and advocate for creative industries. His expertise in cultural entrepreneurship will add depth to discussions on how women in music can leverage innovation and networks to thrive.
- Manal Benchlikha: Known simply as Manal, she is one of Morocco’s most celebrated music stars. With her distinctive voice and forward-thinking artistry, she has redefined what it means to be a female artist in the Arab world. Manal embodies Hunna’s mission; her career is a testament to talent, resilience, and the power of representation.
- Mattieu Corosine: A seasoned international music industry professional, Corosine brings a global outlook to the circle. His experience in building sustainable frameworks for artists ensures the conversation bridges local talent with global opportunities.
Together, these voices promise to spark a vibrant exchange of ideas that reflects the goals of Hunna: amplifying women’s voices and fostering meaningful connections in the MENA music scene.
Why Marrakech Matters
Choosing Marrakech as the host city is no coincidence. With its timeless Medina, bustling souks, and growing creative industries, Marrakech has become a symbol of Morocco’s ability to honour its heritage while embracing modernity. For decades, it has attracted artists, designers, musicians, and thinkers from across the globe.
As Alhelabi explained: “Marrakech’s vibrant cultural heritage makes it the perfect setting to expand our XCHANGE initiative, and we’re thrilled to partner with The Source Marrakech Hotel and GOATS Production to make it possible”
By bringing XCHANGE and Hunna here, MDLBEAST is not just organising an event; it is anchoring a cultural conversation in a city that embodies exchange, openness, and creativity.
XCHANGE: A Global Conversation, Now in Morocco
Since its inception, XCHANGE has acted as a catalyst for growth in the MENA music scene. Its previous editions have gathered artists, creatives, and industry leaders, sparking conversations that shape the future of music. The Marrakech edition will continue this tradition, but with a unique Moroccan twist, blending global perspectives with local voices.
The event also acts as a prelude to the XP Music Futures Conference in Riyadh (December 4–6, 2025), one of the region’s most important music gatherings. The Marrakech Listening Circle, therefore, is both a celebration and a stepping stone, highlighting how local stories and voices feed into broader regional narratives.
A Step Toward the Future of Music in the Region
For YAZ magazine, this event speaks to something larger than the music industry. It is about representation, inclusion, and innovation. By spotlighting women’s contributions and challenges, Hunna and XCHANGE are actively reshaping the cultural landscape.
The Marrakech edition demonstrates how Moroccan creativity is deeply intertwined with global currents, positioning the country not just as a consumer of cultural trends but as a driver of them. Yet beyond music, YAZ is rooting for similar initiatives across all fields of society, because the reality is that many women who give more, who contribute tirelessly to education, culture, craftsmanship, and community, often receive far less recognition than they deserve.
At YAZ magazine, we celebrate this as more than just an event. Hunna and XCHANGE in Marrakech are a statement of intent: one that says women’s voices belong at the centre of cultural conversations. And we believe such initiatives must extend far beyond music: into design, architecture, education, and every component of society where women are building futures yet too often overlooked. By choosing Marrakech, MDLBEAST is weaving Morocco’s timeless artistry into the future of music. And in that weaving, we see the beginning of a broader story: one of empowerment, visibility, and justice for women whose contributions continue to outshine the recognition they receive.
