Mohamed Fafy – AKA Maâlem Mohamed Kouyou – was initiated into the Tagnouite arts by his mother, who would take him to lilas and moussems such as Moulay Brahim and Tamesloht. Today he has become one of the most respected members of the brotherhood. After his mother’s passing, Maâlem Moulay El Hassan undertook the boy’s education, and brought him to Casablanca. Gifted and passionate, he earned the title of maâlem in 1980 in Marrakech. He created his own group and began to perform across Morocco and abroad. The debut of his international career took place in 1984, when he opened the Moroccan Pavilion at Disney World in Florida, where he spent a year in residence followed by tours around the world. For the 24th edition of the Festival, Mohamed Kouyou delivered an explosive opening concert in fusion with the Tambours du Burundi-Amagaba, Jaleel Shaw, and Sanaa Marahati.