Pop singer Saïd Mosker inspires young Moroccans

2009-08-14

Socially-conscious musician Saïd Mosker has a positive message for his young fans. He talks with Magharebia about his latest tour, forthcoming album and future plans.

Interview and photos by Imane Belhaj for Magharebia in Casablanca — 14/08/09

Saïd Mosker delivers a message of tolerance and peace in his latest mix of international flavour and Moroccan roots.

Saïd Mosker has been shaking up stages in Morocco and beyond since 1988, when he released his first album, "Ghitouni," a scorching mix of rai, funk, reggae, and other genres. He also teamed up with MC Anou of Fez City Clan, Nabila Maan, Khansa Batma and other stars for the pop track "Nodo Tsawto" ("Go Vote") in the run-up to Morocco's recent elections.

This summer, he has been touring Morocco to perform in local festivals. Magharebia caught up with Mosker between shows in Casablanca for a chat about his new album, possible Maghreb tour and songs that speak to the dreams and aspirations of youth.

Magharebia: So what's new in Saïd Mosker's world?

Saïd Mosker: I'm currently touring many cities in Morocco. Since the onset of summer, we've visited audiences in their locales, starting from Tangier to Agadir, Kenitra, Marrakech, et cetera. The best part is the amazing interaction of the Moroccan audiences, who warmly welcome us every time. As such, the responsibility I shoulder is huge, and the effort I have to exert to please them is even bigger.

I already have an album comprising 10 or 12 songs. Yet, I decided to release it after Ramadan, that is, after it has been fully revised. I might add a song or change something. I want this to be a quality album, because it will be distributed internationally, in Europe, Canada and the United States.

As usual, the album addresses social issues that concern youth, and topics such as love and peace, which we artists consider our constant message that we ought to deliver every time we perform for audiences.

Magharebia: Speaking of young people, how do you see them, given the tough conditions and problems they're currently facing?

Mosker: Quite frankly, I see a look of despair in their eyes, one that drives them to emigrate in search of better living conditions. They don't know that their chance may be in their country, because we are a people characterised by solidarity, who preserve social traditions that we don’t find in Europe and which will not be affected by the economic situation and difficult circumstances the world is going through now.

The magic words that most of our youth keep repeating, "Thank God", show that young people are aware that Islam urges us to be equipped with determination, faith and patience to realise our goals, instead of trying impossible routes, that would lead to death, destruction or getting lost in foreign lands.

"Personally, I always call for shaking off pessimism and holding on to hope in my songs," Mosker says.

We artists shoulder the responsibility of educating youth about these meanings, and telling them that Europe and risking one's life are not the answer. We also need to inform them that the majority of those who crossed the sea are coming home now, having realized it was the best place ever, despite all its problems and difficulties.

I'm one of those people. I have travelled a lot, and visited many European and American countries. I had a number of opportunities to settle there. However, I realized there was no better place than home. Otherwise, it would not have been flocked to by investors who come here to settle down and work. This is a land of generosity and social solidarity that is unparalleled in any other country of the world.

Magharebia: You were a member of the "Studio Deuxième" panel. What was that like?

Mosker: It's a new experience to be added to my stock of information. I came across promising talents and really good voices. That means there are people who are capable of keeping Moroccan song at the forefront. Unfortunately, however, those talents are not properly nurtured. After dreams of stardom and going through a milestone TV show that gives them bigger hopes of success, their journeys come to a halt by the end of the season. They need assistance to make it beyond that stage, rather than stopping at winning the season title or having a TV station record a song or two for them. Each artist needs assistance throughout their career.

Nonetheless, I also urge them to rely on themselves and to step out and look for producers and sponsors. They are the ones who need to knock on closed doors. Moroccan audiences love Moroccan music and it is the responsibility of young artists to present it to them.

Magharebia: You had quite an experience, perhaps the first if its kind in Morocco, singing a duet in French and Arabic with Malek. How did the Moroccan audience respond?

Mosker: Malek is a true artist and a good friend. Singing with him proved to be a very successful experience, in terms of two different vocalists singing along in two different languages, and in terms of the social and national topics we addressed in our songs. The first Franco-Arabic song dates back to 1993. We were not expecting it to make it big, but did notice that the song was ardently responded to. That, in turn, encouraged other artists to perform Franco-Arabic or Anglo-Arabic songs.

Magharebia: Does that mean languages and differences can be transcended and fused into one language, the language of music? Or is that difficult?

Mosker: Yes, but because we Moroccans love the arts, and we as artists are aware that Moroccan youth understand both languages, there is no problem in bringing together both kinds of audiences, those who are fans of Saïd Mosker as he performs in Arabic, and those who are fans of Malek and his French songs. I think we succeeded in doing that through presenting a new genre.

Magharebia: What's your message to young people in general?

Mosker: My message is the same as that of any Moroccan artist who calls for peace, tolerance, determination and will. Our job is to entertain people through a sublime art that will breathe into them hopes of dreams they could realise. Personally, I always call for shaking off pessimism and holding on to hope in my songs.

Magharebia: What's the secret that draws huge numbers of fans to Saïd Mosker?

Mosker: I guess it's humility. Besides, whenever I sense people's love, I grow more worried that I might let them down one day. I am constantly concerned about pleasing my audiences and my fans, and I pray for success every day.

Magharebia: Are you considering touring other countries in the Maghreb?

Mosker: I am currently considering offers to tour European states, which I should be kicking off next year. After that, I will seriously consider visiting Maghreb countries.