Legendary R&B singer Lionel Richie stole the show at the 2011 Festival Mawazine: Rhythms of the World on Friday May 27, 2011 in Rabat, Morocco. Running through his extensive catalog, which spans back to the 1970’s with The Commodores, the multi-Grammy winner delighted Moroccan fans with hits like “Say You, Say Me,” “Endless Love,” “All Night Long,” and “Hello,” which he sang a second time for an encore. With thousands of nonstop screaming, jumping, waving fans, it was evident that Mr. Richie, who says he’s “meeting the rest of his family,” was a huge gift to the Moroccan people.
“One thing God blessed me with is the gift of my writing,” Richie told the press before his show. “I find myself traveling around the world and I live with the entire world. When I walk into any place; I’ve never been there before, the people say “Hello…Is it me you’re looking for [Laughs].” The interesting part about it is, when I walk into a room, everyone smiles, everyone has a story. Whether they’re in very difficult times of their lives or happy times…they smile. So if I can bring hope, which is the most important thing of life to me…then I’m the proudest person in the world.”
The 10th Anniversary of Festival Mawazine, billed with acts like Kanye West, Shakira and Mr. Richie, at the initiative of Maroc Cultures, an original creation premised on hope and peace, seems to have lifted the spirits of many Moroccan people. With all the love Lionel Richie received from the people, he plans to return and bring his family.
View photos of Lionel Richie’s performance.
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