MOGA Festival 2024: Where electronic music meets the spirit of Morocco
Ph: Eddy Hubble (@hubble_photo)
MOGA Festival 2024 brought together a diverse mix of electronic music talent, set against the stunning backdrop of Essaouira. With a lineup that spanned genres and moods, festival-goers were treated to a weekend filled with both energetic and introspective performances, each bringing something unique to the experience.
Ph: Badr Bounaïlat (@capturewithbadr)
Dixon’s performance at MOGA 2024 was everything you would expect from one of the most respected names in electronic music. As a co-founder of the influential label Innervisions, his impeccable taste for music has been a driving force in shaping the deep house and melodic techno scenes. His set at MOGA was no exception, blending smooth, hypnotic rhythms with a keen sense of pacing that kept the crowd in a state of trance. Dixon’s attention to detail extends beyond his music—his carefully curated wardrobe has become something of a signature, and at MOGA, he didn’t disappoint, sporting another iconic shirt that perfectly complemented his performance.
But, of course, it’s his musical curation that truly defines him. Dixon’s ability to control the energy of the crowd was unmatched. He played with tension, building anticipation with each track before releasing it with just the right amount of force, keeping the crowd hooked. His set was a sophisticated showcase of the Innervisions sound—emotional, intricate, and deeply immersive. With every transition, Dixon proved why he’s not just a DJ, but a curator of experiences, crafting a sonic landscape that was both introspective and energizing.
Ph: Alice Sutton (@alicesuttonphotography)
Frank Wiedemann, performing as Âme Live, delivered a stellar performance at MOGA 2024. Known for his ability to blend live instrumentation with electronic soundscapes, Wiedemann’s performance was a masterclass in creating deeply emotional, melodic music. The live nature of his set gave it an organic quality, with each sound meticulously layered, building a narrative that felt both spontaneous and carefully composed. His intricate use of synths and keys added richness to the performance, keeping the crowd engaged and immersed in the evolving textures of his music.
Fans were especially thrilled when Wiedemann dropped two of Âme’s latest hits, “ASA” and “Shadow of Love,” both of which have become favorites in his recent sets. These tracks, with their sweeping melodies and driving basslines, created some of the most energetic moments of the night. "Shadow of Love," in particular, struck a chord with the crowd, as Wiedemann's live tweaks brought fresh dynamics to the track. The combination of familiar anthems and his nuanced, live approach made these moments stand out in a performance that balanced intensity with subtlety throughout.
Ph: Eddy Hubble (@hubble_photo)
Lilya Mandre made a strong impression, not only with her scheduled Friday set but also with a surprise appearance on Saturday, stepping in between Âme Live and Gerd Janson. Despite being an emerging artist, she fit right in with these legends, delivering a set filled with deep, melodic grooves that resonated with the crowd. Her ability to command the stage alongside such renowned acts highlighted her growing presence in the scene. A key moment of her Friday set was when she played her praised track “Sensa,” which has caught the attention of artists like Black Coffee and Keinemusik. The rich textures and captivating rhythms of “Sensa” exemplified her unique sound and further solidified her place in the electronic music scene. The audience responded enthusiastically, dancing freely and celebrating the vibrant atmosphere she created. Mandre’s performances at MOGA cemented her status as a rising talent, proving she’s more than ready for bigger stages.
Ph: Eddy Hubble (@hubble_photo)
Pachanga Boys closed the main stage on Saturday night with an unforgettable performance, bringing their signature blend of vibrant, euphoric beats to the final moments of the festival’s second day. Known for their eclectic and unpredictable style, the duo had an undeniable chemistry, feeding off the crowd’s energy and elevating the experience as the night went on. With the coastal breeze flowing through the crowd and the desert sky above, their performance felt almost otherworldly, making the moment even more magical.
The highlight of their set was undoubtedly when they played their iconic track, “Time,” a crowd favorite that has become synonymous with the Pachanga Boys' name. The track’s steady build, emotional depth, and soaring melodies sent waves of excitement through the audience, creating a sense of collective euphoria. It's no surprise that this iconic track has influenced other artists, such as Rüfüs Du Sol and their renowned song "Innerbloom." As the final beats of the night echoed through the festival, Pachanga Boys left the crowd in high spirits, cementing their performance as one of the standout moments of the weekend. Their ability to close out the night with such an emotionally charged and captivating set showcased why they remain a beloved act in the electronic music world.
Ph: Eddy Hubble (@hubble_photo)
Kalabrese brought a unique and dynamic energy to MOGA 2024 with his distinctive blend of groovy, soulful beats and offbeat rhythms. Known for mixing genres and infusing his sets with a playful, improvisational touch, Kalabrese had the crowd hooked from the start. His ability to weave between deep, funky basslines and melodic, danceable tracks created an atmosphere that was both relaxed and energetic. As the sun dipped lower and the night began, his set took on an infectious groove, drawing everyone deeper into his eclectic sound.
In the final moments of his set, Kalabrese threw in a curveball that took the crowd by storm: the classic track "Freed From Desire." As soon as the familiar melody kicked in, the dance floor erupted into pure chaos, with everyone singing along and dancing with wild abandon. It was a joyous, almost spontaneous moment of collective celebration, as the anthem’s infectious chorus spread like wildfire. Kalabrese, always the master of blending surprise with groove, ended on this high note, leaving festival-goers buzzing and smiling long after the music faded.
Ph: Alice Sutton (@alicesuttonphotography)
Sonja Moonear’s performance was a masterclass in deep, minimalistic techno, showcasing her expert control over rhythm and sound. Incorporating vinyl formats, Moonear added an extra layer of artistry to her set, captivating the crowd not only with her music selection but with her seamless, hands-on approach. Watching her swiftly sort through her collection to find the next track was mesmerizing in itself, a reminder of her deep connection to the art of DJing. Her ability to create long, immersive builds and subtle transitions with vinyl gave the night a slow-burn intensity, keeping the energy simmering just below the surface. The layers of intricate percussion, paired with deep, pulsing basslines, created a soundscape that was both complex and danceable, a signature of Moonear's approach.
What made her set so captivating was her careful attention to detail, blending tracks seamlessly and creating a fluid journey that never felt rushed. Sonja’s unique ability to read the crowd allowed her to keep the momentum rolling, delivering moments of tension and release with precision. Her rapid movements, flipping through vinyls and dropping the needle with perfect timing, added an exciting visual element to her set. As the night went on, she built an atmosphere that was both mysterious and deeply engaging, pulling the audience into her world of finely crafted sounds. Moonear’s set was a standout for those who appreciate the subtleties of techno, offering a sonic experience that lingered long after she left the decks.
Ph: Eddy Hubble (@hubble_photo)
Carlita delivered an energetic and genre-blurring set at MOGA, showcasing why she has quickly risen to prominence in the global electronic music scene. Her performance was a seamless fusion of house, techno, and eclectic world music influences, creating a dynamic atmosphere that had the crowd moving from the very start. Known for her ability to blend different styles effortlessly, Carlita kept the energy high with unexpected twists and playful transitions. Her set was a testament to her growing success and popularity, proving she’s a force to be reckoned with as she continues to carve out her unique space in the industry.
A signature element of Carlita’s appearance is her iconic bucket hat, which she wore throughout her set, further solidifying her recognizable style. The laid-back yet confident energy she brought to the stage resonated with the audience, adding a personal touch to her performance. As the beats pulsed through the crowd, Carlita’s track selection kept everyone on their toes, dancing to her infectious rhythms.
Ph: Alice Sutton (@alicesuttonphotography)
The b2b set between DJ Tennis and Seth Troxler was nothing short of epic, a true showcase of two friends with deep musical chemistry pushing each other to the limit. Their familiarity with each other's style was evident throughout the set, as they seamlessly traded tracks, often playfully challenging one another with bold selections. It felt almost like a dance-off, with each DJ trying to outdo the other by dropping the next craziest or most unexpected track. The result was a high-energy, unpredictable journey filled with classic after classic, making it one of the most exhilarating two hours and the perfect end to the festival.
Seth Troxler’s Detroit roots came through loud and clear, especially when he dropped iconic tracks like "Black Water" by Octave One and "Jaguar" by DJ Rolando. Both tracks electrified the crowd and, as personal favorites, they added an extra layer of excitement to the experience. DJ Tennis responded in kind, bringing his own flair with standout tracks like "La La Land" by Green Velvet and the timeless "It's a Fine Day" by Opus III. The back-and-forth dynamic between these two master DJs created a vibrant atmosphere, leaving the audience in awe of how they managed to fit so many timeless tracks into such a short amount of time. This set was not just about playing music—it was about two friends sharing their passion with the crowd and creating a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Ph: Alice Sutton (@alicesuttonphotography)
MOGA 2024 presented a rich tapestry of talent, highlighting some of the most exciting names in electronic music. The festival offered an engaging experience, with captivating performances that resonated with attendees and kept the energy high throughout the weekend. Each artist brought their unique style, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere that catered to a wide range of musical tastes.
Ph: Alice Sutton (@alicesuttonphotography)
As the festival came to a close, the shared moments on the dance floor and the connections made among festival-goers stood out. The diverse lineup and unique setting of Essaouira create a solid foundation for future events, leaving attendees looking forward to what lies ahead. MOGA continues to be a noteworthy event in the electronic music calendar, reminding us of the joy and community that music can foster
