Moroccan singer Hatim Ammor recorded hit with theme song for TV series ” Bent Bladi.” Advises Maghreb youth to be diligent and not surrender, strive for dreams with determination, persistence. Naoufel Cherkaoui
Magharebia, Interview by Naoufel Cherkaoui (Rabat, Morocco, July 18, 2013) – Moroccan singer Hatim Ammor rose to fame after winning a local contest. Since winning the “Studio 2M” competition in 2005, the Casablanca native has released a string of hits, including “Gouli” and “Bent Bladi”.
Magharebia met with the 32-year-old performer to learn more about his career, the Moroccan music scene and the connection between art and social change.
Magharebia: How did you enter the art scene?
Hatim Ammor: After years of amateurism, I participated in the local singing contest “Casting Star” in 2003. That experience failed. Then I got involved in the program “Superstar” but was eliminated in the semi-finals. The program “Studio 2M” in the summer of 2005 represented my official launch.
I earned the audience’s affinity; they supported me greatly and that was the reason behind my winning that contest. My career started then and I was able to create my own musical style after a period of performing songs of other artists. I ended up with my own songs being broadcast on television and radio.
Magharebia: What do you think is behind the spread of Moroccan songs, especially in the Mashreq?
Ammor: In fact, in the past the chance of a Moroccan song reaching the Mashreq was very slim. Now, however, some Mashreq singers are working not only on performing Maghrebi songs, but some artists are striving also to produce songs in the Moroccan dialect, such as Lebanese singer Marwan Khoury.
This definitely serves our music, and is a result of the fact that our music has imposed itself in the rest of the Arab world.
Magharebia: To what extent has art contributed to Arab revolutions?
Ammor: The influence of art on communities is eternal and is not linked to Arab revolutions only. Revolutionary songs always influenced the conscience of entire populations. I hope that peace will prevail in all countries of the Arab region.
Magharebia: Are you trying to enter acting or did you decide to wait until you get an offer?
Ammor: A friend got me involved in the music of the series “Bent Bladi” where two great Moroccan stars Saadallah Aziz, and Khadija Assad are playing. I performed indeed to please my friend, then left the scene and forgot about it.
However, I was invited to play a role in the series. It was a successful experience and I benefited a lot from it in terms of learning the rules of the profession. Though I participated in that experience, I still consider myself a singer, not an actor. I remain open though and perhaps will accept those that suit me.
Magharebia: What is your message to the young people of the Maghreb?
Ammor: I advise them to be diligent and not to surrender, and invite them to strive hard toward their dreams which will not be realized without strong determination and persistence.
