MOGA Essaouira confirms first 2025 lineup with iconic artists and cinematic backdrop.

MOGA Festival is set to return to Essaouira, Morocco from October 1 to 5, 2025, bringing with it a carefully curated mix of electronic talent. The first phase of artists includes Bonobo (DJ set), Apollonia, Arapu, Cabanne, Janeret, Folamour, Nitefreak, Priku, and Saoirse. Once a filming location for Game of Thrones and Star Wars, Essaouira offers more than just music. It’s a setting layered in history and cinematic allure, and MOGA’s sixth edition continues to honor that unique cultural backdrop by combining music, wellness, and local experiences in one of Morocco’s most atmospheric cities.

Photography by Eddy Hubble @hubble_photo for Here & Now @wearehereandnow

A Festival Experience Across Historic Streets and Ocean Views

The 2025 edition of MOGA Essaouira opens on October 1 and 2 with the OFF program, inviting attendees to explore the city’s UNESCO-listed medina through art installations, workshops, wellness sessions, and DJ pop-ups. These opening days take place across Essaouira’s historic center, where scenes from Game of Thrones and Star Wars were filmed. From the stone ramparts overlooking the Atlantic to the maze of narrow streets, the setting blends history and contemporary music culture.

The main portion of the festival runs from October 3 to 5 at Hôtel le Golf d’Essaouira & Spa. There will be four stages named Main, Garden, Wild, and Terrace. More than 70 artists from around the world are scheduled to perform across these three days, with music running from 2 PM until 3 AM. Festivalgoers can spend the afternoon by the pool, walk through palm-lined paths between sets, or stay late into the night for deeper sounds under the stars. The entire experience is built around a sense of place and discovery, rather than large-scale spectacle.

Photography by Eddy Hubble @hubble_photo for Here & Now @wearehereandnow

Photography by Eddy Hubble @hubble_photo for Here & Now @wearehereandnow

Lineup Highlights Across House, Minimal, and Global Sounds

The 2025 lineup brings together a well-balanced mix of international and local talent rooted in house, minimal, and Afro-electronic styles. Artists already announced include Apollonia, Bonobo (DJ Set), Bedouin, DJ Tennis, Folamour, Arapu, Janeret, Priku, Patrick Mason, Saoirse, and Moblack. The selection reflects the festival’s focus on depth and variety rather than popularity alone.

Local representation includes artists such as Zulu Nawfel, Adassiya (live), and Yaya (MA), offering regional sounds alongside a global cast. Performances span both daytime and late-night hours, across four distinct stages: Main, Garden, Wild, and Terrace.

As the full schedule continues to take shape, MOGA remains consistent with its identity. Rather than relying on big-name trends, the curation leans toward artists with distinctive approaches and a strong connection to the culture of the festival.

More Than a Festival, A Cultural Destination