Singer Saida Fekri returns to Moroccan homeland for Mawazine
2008-05-29
Many international mega-stars performed at the recent Mawazine Festival in Rabat, but for one Moroccan singer now living in the US, the event marked an emotional homecoming.
Interview by Imane Belhaj for Magharebia in Rabat – 29/05/05
 [Imane Belhaj] Moroccan singer Saida Fekri performs at the Mawazine Festival in Rabat after a long absence from her home country. |
Magharebia spoke with Moroccan singer Saida Fekri about what she calls a singer's duty to be an "ambassador for peace". The singer, now living in the US, recently performed at the Mawazine festival in Rabat.
Magharebia: How did it feel to embrace your Moroccan fans after years of absence?
Saida Fekri: I sincerely longed for my home fans who were my sole consolation while away. The Mawazine Festival broke the artistic siege I was locked inside, by inviting me to give a concert together with world artists. This is a tribute I take pride in. I met fans who were hungry for my tunes, and who knew all my old songs by heart, which soothed my pains.
Magharebia: Do you mean pains of homesickness or pains of the siege?
Fekri: Both. Because I left my homeland on account of the siege, I suffered coldness on the artistic level. Why did a foreign country appreciate my art, while my own country was indifferent to me? That was how I felt when my first album "Sa’aluni An El-Azab" was issued in 1994. It was warmly acclaimed. The Belgian government invited me to give a concert there and I got some wide-scale media coverage. When I got back to Morocco, however, hardly anyone cared, and I was met with indifference, which, I still assert, was planned.
Magharebia: Who exactly was being indifferent?
Fekri: Those in charge: the television and the media in general. My songs truly voiced the agonies of society and I believe the media, too, was under siege at that time. No one could support me at the time, except the audience who would express their encouragement online.
Magharebia: Why did you choose serious songs?
Fekri: It was not really a choice as much as it was a feeling that grew inside of me. It was in my character and nature. I object to oppression and racism – these are the principles I grew up with. I believe the world is just full of hatred and deceit. Whoever loves life must rebel against [them] and demand a world where love and peace might prevail.
Magharebia: Do you plan on continuing your revolt against oppression and racism?
Fekri: Of course. Peace and love will continue to be my sole quest, especially at a time when the world is being torn apart by wars and conflicts. It is an artist's duty nowadays to be an ambassador of peace and love. This is what I aspire to through my songs. You know I released an album in the US entitled "One World". The album celebrates peace and co-existence.
Magharebia: To whom does Saida Fekri sing?
Fekri: I sing to all people in general and to Moroccans in particular. They are always with me. They seize every opportunity to support me. Moroccans made me so proud in my latest tour in the US. My Moroccan fans repeated my songs. Believe me, I met a little girl who knew my entire repertoire. That is such a great honour for me.
Magharebia: Does that mean the tour was a success?
Fekri: Undoubtedly. As proof, there was a suggestion to include some popular numbers in my soiree to lure in audiences, but the concert sponsor said he’d rather lose than foist other singing styles onto Saida Fekri’s.
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elaichi houssam Posted 2008-05-29
Saida Fekri is a singer for all generations. Her songs penetrate the heart. She is one of Morocco's most prominent singers, marginalised in this country which has its creative young people and sons. But who is responsible for this marginalisation? How many hearts have gone sour and how many artists have changed their nationalities for the sake of art? Our country celebrates foreigners and we have better powers.
loubna Posted 2008-05-31
The best singer on the world level whom I love is Saida Fikri. I love so much Saida.
amlal Posted 2008-05-31
There is problem with artists and even organizing committee. Shame on them for the absence of Amazigh music.
محمد رشيد Posted 2008-06-02
There is no doubt that Saida Fekri is an excellent Moroccan phenomenon. Fekri is the female version of Bob Marley. She is simply the living Moroccan myth. We love you Saida.
mouna Posted 2008-06-03
Saida, may God protect you. That is all.
halima Posted 2008-06-03
Saida Fikri congratulations for meeting with the fans after a long absence. You are an authentic Moroccan and proud of your identity.
najat Posted 2008-06-06
God bless you, that's all. You have the Moroccan spirit and you are a flower with that great voice.
نوال Posted 2008-06-06
Saida is the nicest singer in Morocco, with her heritage; she remains the singer of the country. May God grant her long life.
أنس Posted 2008-06-10
You are really a great artist. I am afraid I can’t give you your true value.
aziz Posted 2008-06-13
We love you and want you with us in Morocco. You are the best Arab singer who has supported the Palestinian and Arab cause in general. I love you forever and welcome in Morocco.
islam Posted 2008-06-13
I love Saida Fikri so much, especially her songs.
kinezia Posted 2008-06-17
Hi! Saida Fekri is a diva! We love her for her beautiful voice, her commitment and her activism! Above all else, never change! We love you, Saida!
hiba Posted 2008-06-21
Hi. If I tell you I love you, it is too little for you. You are always in our hearts. You are the best singer in the world. I love you. Since I was young, my mother played your tapes. I learnt them all by heart. I buy all your new albums. Yes, I love you to death. My only wish is to see you. I always ask God to grant me my wish of seeing you. I can’t tell you what do you represent for me. Oh Lord don’t deprive me of seeing you. I wish you more success and prominence. You are always with us in our hearts.
soukaina Posted 2008-06-22
I love you! Long live Saida Fekri and the Riff mountains.
khalid Posted 2008-06-27
Saida is the mother of all Morocco’s young people. I love her so much.
كخاضكضي Posted 2008-06-30
Nice.
anass Posted 2008-07-18
it"s really so good to see our wonderfull singer saida fekri come back to her original country to give moroccan all her precious songs ..... we are all loving saida and we hope to keep giving us this songs .... we never forget saida fekri ...
لحسن Posted 2008-07-23
Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you. I have something to say about the Moroccan artist Saida Fikri. She is known by her decent songs. She has sung a lot about society and marginalization. She said that she sang about peace, woman, robbed childhood, unemployment and love. From here I say that I admire her words for which she makes the melody herself. She also has a special type of Moroccan music. She is inspired in her words from society. Now I want to listen to her new songs of 2008. She also has her own site.
لحسن Posted 2008-07-28
Thank you for your understanding and publishing the comment. I also want to say that everyone has his comment about what he likes. I also want to contribute to this Moroccan forum. I also heard that Saida Fikri is presently in Morocco in the summer festival. This news made me happy as she is back in her respectable, dignified and noble country, the great kingdom of Morocco. Thank you.
عيسى الكوطيط مين شفشوان Posted 2008-07-29
Salam alikum. I love Saida because she is the only artist who talks about life experienced by man. She talks about reality. I love you Saida, Khaled and everyone who loves you. I wish to see you even one time. Thanks to everyone working in this field.
hicham Posted 2008-08-25
You are my beautiful singer. You have helped me so much.
wahid Posted 2008-08-28
Long live Saida Fekri!
lamiae Posted 2008-09-16
Hi to all the fans. My name is Lamiae. I am from Taza. I love Saidi Fekri so much! I adore all her songs and I hope she stays strong and keeps up the good work. I adore Saida!
mouhamed Posted 2008-09-21
Saida my darling, my heart loved you. I love your songs. My house is filled with your pictures. You are the one with whom I feel relaxed when I listen to you. I like your voice alone. I hope to talk to you. I love you, I love you, I love you.
Ayyoub Posted 2008-09-28
I love you so much. I hope that they will keep on calling you to festivals. I hope that you will come to visit us in Oujda. Honestly there are a lot of people in Oujda who love you so much.
oussama de kénitra Posted 2008-11-17
Salam alikum. Concerning Saida Fikri, she is the greatest singer and greatest woman because she has succeeded in supporting oppressed people, her fight against injustice and violence against the people. This has made her attract a big audience which I belong to. Her words are very clear without ambiguity. We hope that you, Saida Fikri, go on in this sector. The Moroccan public in particular is always with you in any place.
kablaoui abdellah Posted 2008-11-24
Saida Fikri is a living example of the conservative song. Why is she ignored by authorities and local festivals? Don’t worry, Saida Fikri, your songs are in our blood; we the young people of Morocco. I wish you more fame.
hafid benrkia Posted 2008-12-07
Saida, Praise be to the one who created you, you are not on lost on the sidelines. On the contrary, you are the title of Moroccans or of the Arab World. I want to send you some songs very soon. So wait for me. This from me, if all women were like you, women would have been preferred to men.
hassan Posted 2008-12-08
Is it true that you married Cheb Layn?
rayan Posted 2008-12-22
Thank you so much, Saida Fekri.
فدوى Posted 2009-01-25
Saida, I love you so much. You're the best Moroccan who invaded the hearts with her sweet songs. Despite your absence, you are in our souls. So don't forget us because we only have you. I love you and respect you. Fadwa from Taza.
rachida Posted 2009-02-06
To sum up. She is the top and will be the top in the world of musical art. Time will show this. I am with you and will follow up your news. I love your personality and songs. With love. Salam.
abdelati Posted 2009-02-08
Honestly, Saida Fikri is the queen of singing in Morocco. I wish her continuity.
TICHIT Posted 2009-02-16
Discovered by accident, we need to do some publicity for this incredible singer. She has a wonderful voice, singing just like a marshmallow for everyone in order to succeed in her international career. There you have it: the opinion of a purebred Frenchmen who is keeping his ears wide open.
ali Posted 2009-04-06
Saida fikri is the best singer. There are people who don't know the value of Saida Fikri. Saida Fikri raises the awareness of young people and shares their sufferings. Saida Fikri, my dream is to meet you some day. I hope that my dreams becomes true.
khalid Posted 2009-05-20
saida fikri is the best singer i love her soo much and i wish i meet her one day its my dream
x Posted 2009-08-23
I love you.
ziani Posted 2009-09-08
She is an unjustly overlooked singer. I just discovered Saida Fikri, daughter of the Rif. She is quite a good specimen. She is far better than Lara Fabian or Jennifer. When I listen to your music, Saida, I am very proud of you and thus proud to be a Moroccan and, even more so, to be from the Rif Mountains. Thank you again for bringing us such happiness. Have a great, long career. -A fan of yours
hicham Posted 2009-09-17
Saida Fikri is a very very very great artist. She is the pride of our country, Morocco. Stay strong, Saida! We are always behind you.
alhoriya Posted 2009-09-17
Saida Fikri is an artist who is loved by every Moroccan, young and old. Here in the Sahara, songs of Saida Fikri have become like the songs of Al Ghiwane. She is loved by everyone, old and young. A 6 year-old child knows the songs of Saida Fikri by heart. Therefore, Saida Fikri deserves all our respect. She has endured an artistic siege in her country so she chose to live abroad instead of accepting the policy of silencing tongues. Thank you very much for what you did.
TBISSI Posted 2009-10-02
I love you Saida. I love your songs. I love everyone who loves you.
marocaine dallemagne Posted 2009-11-26
Saida Fikri is the only Moroccan singer to manage to go very far with her Moroccan songs. You have my many thanks, Saidi. We are very proud of you.
ayour amazigh Posted 2009-12-03
We proud that we have a singer her a name is saida we love u so much
ابتسام من بوجدور Posted 2009-12-07
Welcome to you, in your country, Morocco. Thank you for the songs you have presented to us during these years. I love you so much more than other singers, who are unsuccessful in their songs. Thank you for everything. Kisses. Boujdour welcomes you, beauty of Morocco.
عاشقة سعيدة فكري Posted 2010-01-04
We are all with you, our dear princess, in good and bad times. We love you, Saida! God willing, happiness and joy will fill your professional and personal life. We are all proud of you, star of all stars, love of Morocco and the world!
hanane + mohamed Posted 2010-03-22
We love you! It's nice to hear news of you.
ghqrib 3an alwatan Posted 2010-03-25
An angelic voice and the music is great, bless you! To those who take care of art in our beloved country, this is real art. Enough underestimation of the taste of Moroccans! We’re still on the way, and the artist is still an artist, even if he leaves his nation!
Driss CHARIFI Posted 2010-05-17
Dear Princess Saidi Fikri- You are a living example of someone who has singing in her blood. You are truly a great artist with a magnificent voice. I'd love to see you and get some photographs with you. I adore your personality and your songs. I hope you stay strong and keep up the good work, my princess.
jawad Posted 4 days ago
Saida Fikri is the pride of all Moroccans thanks to the kind of music she presents. It is clean music accepted by our ears, conservative clean word, easy language understood by the young and adults. Finally, thank you, thank you Saida Fikri!
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