Connecting Identities, histories and nations through stories
From Marrakech…
The journey began under the mastership of Haj. Ahmed Ezzarghani (RIP). In 2016 I was a
bearer of a
1000 year old tradition and an english Literature Student at Cadi Ayyad University. I've
remained deeply
rooted in Marrakech, not just as my home but as my stage, my laboratory, and my muse. I
co-founded the
Marrakech International Storytelling Festival, bringing together storytellers from all
continents while
honoring the spirit of the Halq'a.
…To the World
My work in storytelling is borderless. Through residencies, performances, and collaborations
across
Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, I've reimagined Moroccan storytelling as both an ancient
art and a
modern tool for connection. I've worked with Coca-Cola teams on narrative leadership,
co-created with
artists from Ireland to Istanbul, and brought the Halqa into brand experiences with Serge
Lutens Paris
and Urban Jungle. My international story series “Tales Across Borders” documents the voices
of
storytellers globally, while projects like the Hikaya School Program seed Moroccan methods
into global
education models. In 2025, I co-led a team that broke the Guinness World Record for the
longest
storytelling performance ever
Guinness World Records
Zouhair The Storyteller is officially a Guinness World Record Holder and Co-Organizer -
Title: The longest
Storytelling Performance in the History of Humanity. Broken in Zouhair's homeland,
Marrakech. The
world's storytelling capital.
Who is a storyteller:
Philosophy
Mission
Aspiration
Philosophy
Zouhair believes that storytelling is more than mere entertainment—it's a spiritual and
emotional practice.
His work is rooted in Morocco's rich oral traditions, shaped by multiple languages and
faiths, especially
Sufi traditions.
He sees storytelling as a form of soft power—a way to build bridges between peoples cultures
and
traditions. His approach blends ancient wisdom passed down from his masters with
contemporary
approaches, keeping the tradition alive, relevant, and impactful.
Mission
Zouhair promotes storytelling as a path to healing. He says, “The worst thing you can do to
your story is
not tell it.” By sharing our stories and listening to others, we begin to heal. His mission
is to make
storytelling accessible to all—especially to young people around the world.
Aspiration
Zouhair dreams of creating global communities built around storytelling, led by local
voices. He hopes to
perform in every country on planet earth, to listen to the stories of its peoples, and to
pass them on—so
that everyone, everywhere, can feel proud of who they are and where they come from.
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Citations
Mike Wood
Businessman and chairman of the British Moroccan
Society
There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum
available,
but the majority have suffered alteration in some form, by injected
humour, or
randomised words which don't look even slightly believable.
Jaafar Kansoussi
President of AL Munya Association
There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum
available,
but the majority have suffered alteration in some form, by injected
humour, or
randomised words which don't look even slightly believable.
Aoife Demel
Chairwoman of Storytellers for Ireland and Director of
Mermaid Arts Center
There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum
available,
but the majority have suffered alteration in some form, by injected
humour, or
randomised words which don't look even slightly believable.
Fatima-Zohra Iflahen
African Literature Professor and Vice-president Cadi
Ayyad University
There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum
available,
but the majority have suffered alteration in some form, by injected
humour, or
randomised words which don't look even slightly believable.
Hamid Bentaher
President of National Tourim Council
There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum
available,
but the majority have suffered alteration in some form, by injected
humour, or
randomised words which don't look even slightly believable.
Liz Weir MBE
Storyteller from UK
There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum
available,
but the majority have suffered alteration in some form, by injected
humour, or
randomised words which don't look even slightly believable.