SoundSisters Morocco: Building accessible pathways for women in electronic music

Morocco’s electronic music scene is as rich and varied as the country’s cultural heritage – ranging from experimental club nights in Casablanca to internationally renowned festivals like Oasis and MOGA. But as the soundscape has grown, access hasn’t always been easy. For many women – particularly those facing social, cultural or economic barriers – the path into DJing remains steep and often inaccessible.

That’s where SoundSisters Morocco comes in. Founded in 2022 by DJ and cultural organiser Maria Malasangre (shown below), the initiative is reshaping what inclusion in music looks like – building a peer-led, community-first ecosystem for aspiring women DJs. Through free workshops, mentoring and performance opportunities, SoundSisters Morocco is creating sustainable pathways into the industry – by and for local women.

Rather than replicating traditional gatekeeping models often found in the music industry, SoundSisters Morocco operates as a community-powered, circular economy of knowledge. It’s free, grassroots and based on mutual support. Women learn how to DJ in a safe and welcoming environment, then pass their knowledge forward by teaching others. The result is a self-sustaining network of learning, confidence and solidarity.

Maria’s vision stems from her own experiences navigating the industry. Her DJ journey began in a collaborative, all-women learning space – Escoteca – founded by DJ Flavya in Brazil in 2018. As Maria travelled and performed, she connected with like-minded collectives around the world, including Sisters in Sound (Mexico/USA), SinSync and Fiesta Wacha in Barcelona. Each helped shape her approach to creating space for others.

SoundSisters Morocco was born from this collective ethos and brought to life after Maria moved to Morocco in August 2022. What started as a response to the frustrations voiced by local women about the lack of creative opportunities has since grown into a dynamic and celebrated community.

Since the launch of the project, SoundSisters Morocco has trained over 80 women DJs, many of whom are now performing at events, cultural venues and major festivals. The emphasis on peer mentorship ensures that knowledge is shared, confidence is built and each wave of DJs helps usher in the next.

From the outset, local artists have been instrumental in shaping the initiative. Moroccan talents including Stranger Souma, Yasmean, Kawtar Sadik, Rita Kamale, Rita Nassiri have helped nurture the SoundSisters community, alongside many others who’ve offered their time, skills and platforms.

The inspiration also draws from a wider North African and diasporic network – artists like Monile, Rita Soko, Gj Leith, Glitter 55, Tsuniman, Hajar, and Nanu Sniba – each pushing boundaries in their own way and amplifying visibility for women in electronic music both regionally and internationally.

In just two years, SoundSisters Morocco has achieved a number of standout milestones:

• Hosted the first-ever all-women DJ night and residency at a local club in Marrakech
• Partnered with Oasis Festival, offering performance slots and behind-the-scenes production experience
• Launched a mentorship programme, pairing emerging DJs with experienced women mentors
• Collaborated with MOGA Festival, running workshops and showcases during Essaouira and Caparica editions
• Secured equipment sponsorship from Pioneer DJ, enabling high-quality DJ training
• Featured in the Beatport YouTube Series We Are Unstoppable, spotlighting women shaping global dance culture
• Received a grant from the American Arts Center to deliver an intensive DJ course for 22 women in Casablanca

With momentum building, SoundSisters Morocco is continuing to expand its presence and reach. This month, three community-led events are already on the calendar:

• April 10: Performances by OumaimaTune and Shaggy Laggy at La Ola Bar in Casablanca
• April 13: The second edition of Earth Night Marrakech, organised with Pikala Bikes, Les Étoiles de Jamaa el Fna, and Positive School
• April 19: A community coffee party at Thirty5ive in Marrakech

SoundSisters Morocco continues to welcome collaborations, bookings, and new connections. For enquiries, reach out via Instagram or email.