Widad Mjama on Moroccan Rap & Aïta Mon Amour's Performance at the Tamaas Festival in Abu Dhabi
In this episode of the NYUAD Arts Center podcast, we're joined by Widad Mjama, one-half of the musical group Aïta Mon Amour, in the lead-up to their performance at the Tamaas Festival in Abu Dhabi. The pioneering rapper from Morocco explores her musical experiences, her early exposure to various music genres in Morocco, and her eventual gravitation towards rap. Widad discusses the Moroccan rap scene and the significant impact of artists like Tupac on her life. The discussion delves into the origins and significance of Aïta, a traditional Moroccan music genre, and how Aïta Mon Amour celebrates and modernizes it. Widad sheds light on her collaboration with Khalil, their creative process, and the challenges of preserving tradition while introducing modern elements.
Widad Mjama is the first female rapper to appear on the Moroccan scene. In 1999, she and her group Thug Gang won the rap-hiphop category at the Tremplin des Jeunes Musiciens competition in Casablanca. In 2014, she co-created the group N3rdistan in France with Walid Ben Selim, drawing inspiration from classical Arabic poetry. For her project Aïta Mon Amour, developed with musician Khalid Epi, she conducted years of research with chikhates (or cheikhat)—women who preserve the Aïta tradition, a centuries-old poetic and musical art from the El Jadida-Safi region. The project blends traditional instruments like the mandole and loutar with electronic sounds, supported by the Shouka label. The project pays homage to the freedom and energy of the chikhates while anchoring itself in a multi-secular heritage.
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The Arts Center Podcast at NYUAD
afikra and The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi join forces to bring you captivating interviews with an array of talented performers and artists. From the mesmerizing melodies of Meklit Hadero to the electrifying movements of Herve Koubi, this podcast series showcases the rich tapestry of music, theater, drama and poetry, inviting you to step into the minds of these visionary creators.
