Morocco to give financial backing to music industry
2009-01-12
Under a new decree, the Moroccan government will provide financial assistance to musicians and songwriters who produce Moroccan music.
By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat – 12/01/08
 [File] Morocco's performing artists will soon get government subsidies, says Culture Minister Touriya Jabrane. |
Moroccan music is about to receive an official boost. The government decided on Thursday (January 8th) to grant financial assistance to Moroccan songsters.
During a weekly cabinet meeting, Culture Minister Touriya Jabrane explained that the measure is aimed at supporting singers, lyricists, composers, distributors, musicians and the promotion of Moroccan song.
Jabrane said laws will be drafted in consultation with Moroccan artists, establishing criteria specific to the type of assistance granted. A committee will also be set up to review applications. Each year some fifteen or so projects will benefit from this support, up to a maximum limit of 300,000 dirhams.
The move comes in response to calls for help by music professionals. Under the terms of the decree, all categories of musicians will be able to receive subsidies to assist them with their work. The measure relates to two aspects of music: songwriting and producing, and the promotion of the Moroccan music industry.
The initiative has been hailed by musicians. Ahmed Alaoui, President of the Moroccan Musicians' Union, said it was high time the government spared a thought for the long-neglected sector. He stressed that officials must also combat piracy to guarantee artists' rights.
Over the last few years, many artists have expressed concern at the impact of piracy on their earnings. "If we don't put a stop to piracy, there will be no one producing songs in Morocco within a few years' time," said singer-songwriter Malek.
Other artists, including singer Hayat Al Idrissi, believe that the biggest problem facing Moroccan singers is distribution, since the Moroccan market lacks a distributor capable of promoting songs abroad.
Arts critic Mohamed Ibrahimi said the culture ministry is partly to blame for the deterioration of the Moroccan songwriting industry, because it has held a large number of international cultural events promoting foreign cultures over Moroccan culture. He also believes the quota for the broadcasting of Moroccan songs on public channels is no higher than 5%.
"The public is constantly being exposed to foreign songs," he said. "This is the direction in which people's tastes are being led, and it is harming Moroccan artists."
Many Moroccans take a nostalgic view of the glory years of Moroccan songwriting during the 1970s, when production was prolific.
Salima Bendou, a student, is hopeful that the Moroccan songwriting industry will prosper and compete with Lebanese and Egyptian songsters. "I'd really like to see other Arab countries taking up Moroccan songs. A few Lebanese Arab singers have already begun singing songs in the Moroccan dialect. That proves the future's bright. We just need production companies to be prepared to go further in this direction," she said.
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Fan of Moroccan Native Reda Dermane Posted 2009-01-13
Comment on your Morocco's Music Backing - Moroccan native Reda Dermane found much interest in his music but little support from his country. It was actually looked at as a bad "career" choice. He moved to America because the opportunities are better for musicians. He would much rather be in Morocco sharing his talents and to make his country proud of his Moroccan learned musical talent. Morocco, are you listening? You can listen at www.soundclick.com/dermane to hear his unique, but obviously Moroccan flavored music. His style definitely shows there is much talent in Morocco. His talent and the many other Moroccan musicians deserve to be supported by the Government. They should be very proud of their native talent! Moroccan musicians..share with the world your musical talents! Thanks Magharebia for sharing this important story with people who have an interest in Moroccan music.
JBARA Posted 2009-02-06
Moroccan artists have suffered from neglect for too long. It is Paradoxical that “music has been and continues to be the most important cultural element of Morocco”, but that the artists live “exclusively off of their direct income.” Today, there is a resurgence of creative culture in Morocco, bearing evidence of the harbinger of economic, social and political change. The Moroccan audience is beginning to appreciate its wealth and its musical heritage in a positive way. Important festivals are being organised annually throughout the country. Unfortunately, the Moroccan artists continue to hold onto these fatalist sentiments, given their precarious position persists. This is already obvious, but all artistic and cultural movements have their foundation in a societies that are developing under certain political conditions, namely the freedom and pluralism of thought and the promotion and valorisation of the country’s own cultural and artistic wealth.
طلباني عزالدبن Posted 2009-03-13
Yes, and it is nice to encourage music and musicians . But, what is the role of music teachers and academic music in our dear country? I am a music teacher. I have been teaching for over thirty years in and outside Morocco. I have taught many students of different races and languages as well as thousands if not millions of kids. I have received acknowledgment and honour certificates and presents from foreigners, kids and their families including an American academic doctor Pr. John Mclawd, director of the model school of piano in Bahrain and others. I don’t want to talk much about myself, but I am just giving an example of myself. There are many others like me or more. Just as a reminder, I returned to my country willingly although I had a two-year renewal of my contract after four years of teaching at the academic classical institute for music. I preferred my country but…After this short summary, I sum up and say: There is no renaissance without classical music which develops heritage into world music which would lift our flag high in the sky especially because it is the only unified language in the world. I hope that my country shows interest to me and people like me. I am ready and available. Talbani Azzedine, cultural complex, music institute, Casablanca.
ام علي Posted 2009-06-27
Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you. Honestly, I have no comment but I want to help you since the topic is about art. I am a housewife and I have the talent of writing Moroccan songs. They are really very nice words and suit well the voice of the great artist Latifa Raafat. But I don't know how to show my talent. Please help me and encourage me.
Ronnie Land Posted 2009-09-10
Hi My name is Ronnie Land, A Singer Songwriter from the San Francisco Bay Area.. Im seeking a Financial Backing for a U.S. Tour.. Sincerely, Ronnie Land
ابراهيم Posted 2009-09-11
I am a Moroccan resident in Libya. I am a singer and voice engineer. I am 23. Can I participate with my Moroccan brothers in this field?
lazare miako Posted 1 day ago
Hi- I have quality musicians on hand. I would like to ask for your financial aid with the aim of helping my musicians get a professional studio. –Thank you
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