Jabara uses talent to promote peace, co-existence and Moroccan music

2007-03-27

Music from the Maghreb, combined with styles from around the world, can be a force for cultural dialogue and understanding. Mohamed Jabara speaks about his and other young artists' experience with the international music scene.

By Imane Belhaj for Magharebia in Casablanca – 27/03/07

[Imane Belhaj] Jabara combines Moroccan and international music

Moroccan singer Mohamed Jabara celebrates world music on his new album Al-Ma’ida (The Table), a collection of 14 songs that combine the spirit and authenticity of Moroccan music with international music genres such as blues and reggae.

In an interview with Magharebia, Jabara said that his new album is a natural continuation of his previous work, through which he tries to affirm that music is a language common to all peoples and a means of achieving closeness, co-existence and dialog between different civilisations. Jabara, a resident of Spain, was recently in Morocco promoting the new album. "The time has come to make Moroccan music cross borders and come within the reach of different peoples. Our music is rich and powerful, and we have a young generation able to offer it, like the previous pioneers," he said.

Like all young artists enamoured by world music, Jabara envisions his music transcending national borders. "I work to make Moroccan music global music that crosses the country's narrow boundaries," he said. Jabara has interacted with Western musicians and has begun to combine styles "such as rock, blues and others with a Moroccan 'scent', and this is something beautiful in my opinion."

Jabara's bilingual, East-West character reflects his cultural and intellectual wealth and allows him to create dialog between global cultures. He explained that music today has a lofty mission and plays a significant part in supporting openness towards others. One of his song lyrics exemplifies this idea:

"I hoped we would live in peace, Beyond ethnicity, money, origin and political parties…"

Jabara said that because Moroccan artists do not usually find opportunities in their home country, he searched for them abroad. Such is the case for many artists, who are resigned to leaving their homeland for the sake of art, says Jabara. Luckily, these artists usually work for the benefit of Moroccan song and music by sharing it with various cultures.

Jabara has participated in numerous international festivals and has performed in a number of countries in Europe, Latin America, Russia and even Siberia. "As an immigrant artist, I carry a tremendous burden, which is the need to support Moroccan music. I have toured numerous nations and worked at many festivals. Through all of these stops, I try to be an ambassador for Moroccan art and Moroccan song. I sometimes hold workshops on Moroccan music...and…I always find others very receptive to Moroccan rhythms, which, as we all know, are cheerful and open to joy."