IN SHORT

The first five years of her life, spent in Washington, DC, shaped her worldview. Much later, whilst participating in an all-women off-road car rally, Neila Mia Tazi fell in love with Morocco’s deep south. It inspired her to launch the now-renowned Gnaoua World Music Festival – as well as strive to have the Gnaoua culture added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list. She heads a communication agency and serves as member of Morocco’s House of Councillors.