the “Al Baraâ” troupe from the Souss-Massa region took second position while third place went to the Dar chabab El Massira EL Khadra club from the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region.
The jury of this festival competition, chaired by the artist and composer Abdel Ouahed azizi El Alaoui, awarded the Male Excellence Prize to the young artist mohamed Ali Aila from the Dar chabab El Massira El Khadra club and the Female Excellence Prize to the young artist Meryem Khairi from the “Al Baraâ” troupe. The “Collective Harmony” prize went to the “Family Music” troupe.
A total of 12 teams competed for the first three places in the National Youth Music Festival competition, after the qualifiers initiated at the provincial and regional levels and which saw the participation of youth centers from various regions of the Kingdom during the months of April and May of the current year.
For his part, Ahmed Hamdaoui, from the regional youth directorate of the Oriental region, indicated that this national festival, organized on the occasion of International music Day, constitutes the crowning of a journey characterized by the institution of provincial qualifiers in which around 600 musical teams from the province participated, then regional qualifiers during which 12 teams representing the various regions of Morocco qualified.
The National Youth Music Festival aims to develop a taste for music among young talents and to create a spirit of competition and expression through their artistic creativity.
What are the key benefits for young musicians participating in the National Youth Music Festival?
Time.news Exclusive Interview: Celebrating Young Talent at the National Youth Music Festival
Interviewer: Time.news Editor
Expert: Ahmed Hamdaoui, Regional Youth Director at the Oriental region
Q1: Ahmed, thank you for joining us today. Can you share with our readers the significance of the National Youth Music Festival?
Ahmed hamdaoui: Thank you for having me.the National Youth Music Festival is a pivotal event designed to nurture musical talent among the youth of Morocco. Organized to coincide with International Music Day, it serves as a platform for young musicians to showcase their talents and engage in healthy competition. This year, we saw 12 passionate teams compete for the top three spots, creating a vibrant atmosphere of creativity and collaboration.
Q2: We noticed that the competition involved a rigorous selection process. Can you elaborate on how the qualifiers worked?
Ahmed Hamdaoui: Absolutely. The journey to the festival began with provincial qualifiers where around 600 musical teams from various provinces participated. This was followed by regional qualifiers, culminating in the selected 12 teams representing their regions. Thes stages not only fostered competition but also encouraged teams to refine their skills and showcase their unique artistic expressions.
Q3: The awards this year were quite notable, with the Male and Female Excellence Prizes going to remarkable talents. How do you think these awards impact the careers of young artists like Mohamed Ali Aila and Meryem Khairi?
Ahmed Hamdaoui: Winning such prestigious awards can be a game-changer for young artists. For Mohamed ali Aila from Dar chabab El Massira El Khadra and Meryem Khairi from the “Al Baraâ” troupe, these accolades not only recognize their hard work and dedication but also enhance their visibility in the music industry. It opens doors for opportunities such as collaborations,performances,and even record deals,empowering them to pursue their artistic dreams more fervently.
Q4: The “collective Harmony” prize was awarded to the “Family Music” troupe. how important is it for groups to be recognized as collective units in an individualistic industry like music?
Ahmed Hamdaoui: Recognition of collective units like the “Family Music” troupe is crucial in promoting teamwork and collaboration in the music industry. It highlights the fact that music is not just an individual endeavor; it thrives on collaboration and shared experiences. Recognizing groups encourages others to join forces and create musical projects that might blend various talents and styles, fostering a richer cultural tapestry.
Q5: What advice would you give to young aspiring musicians who want to participate in future competitions like this?
Ahmed Hamdaoui: My advice would be to embrace every chance to perform and refine your craft. Participating in local music programs, practicing regularly, and seeking feedback are essential steps.They should also remain open to collaborating with peers, as networking within the musical community can lead to valuable experiences.Lastly, we always encourage creativity—don’t be afraid to showcase your unique style!
Q6: Looking ahead, what future developments can we expect from the National Youth Music Festival, and how can it further impact the music industry in Morocco?
Ahmed Hamdaoui: We aim to expand the festival’s reach, potentially involving more regions and participants next year. We also hope to incorporate workshops and mentorship programs, allowing young artists to learn from established musicians. As the festival grows, it will serve not just as a competition but also as an incubator for talent, ultimately enriching the Moroccan music scene and fostering a new generation of passionate musicians.
Thank you, Ahmed Hamdaoui, for sharing these insights with us. The National Youth Music Festival clearly plays a vital role in nurturing Morocco’s youngest musical talents, and we look forward to its growth in the coming years.