nataal marrakech

Our invited guests arrived to sweeping views of distant mountains, the ripple of the camp’s glinting pool and the raw, rocky slopes of the desert. These breathtaking views were overlaid by sounds from Moroccan-English DJ and artist, Yu Yu, who blended traditional Moroccan Gnawa music with Sufi trance, house, funk and afrobeats. With a table carefully laid with handmaid place settings by the French-Moroccan design powerhouse, Zoubida, who both sources and makes her pieces locally.

Under a blanket of stars, Tatale founder and chef, Akwasi Brenya-Mensa warmly introduced his menu, a delicious fusion of traditional Ghanaian and Moroccan flavours inspired by ‘notes of water’ in a nod to WE, MAJI (water in Swahili). As we began, Brenya-Mensa said: “I’ve never been able to do food in such a collaborative spirit as I have here - it’s been a lot of fun even seeing how the kitchen works, but I think the beauty of working in this way is that anything can happen.”

Held at DaDa Marrakech from January 30 to February 2, 2025, as part of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair Marrakech, Nataal presented We, Maji, a special project bringing its latest digital issue to life through an immersive installation. The installation explored the power and symbolism of water through a multidisciplinary showcase, featuring works by Togo Yeye, Anil Padia, Bubu Ogisi & Shitanda and the collaborative short film Camadas de Nós (Layers of Us) by Silvana Trevale, Tansi Makele, Vincent Frédéric-Colombo, and Morgane H. Gomez for C.R.E.O.L.E.

The installation also hosted the international premiere of Of Us, directed by Liara Barussi, accompanied by the evocative soundscape Omi by Felix Taylor and Melo-zed. The project unfolded alongside a dynamic program of exhibitions, performances, and gatherings across the city, celebrating contemporary African art.