At a press conference held on the sidelines of the 21st Mawazine Festival, Moroccan artist Saida Charaf opened up about her artistic journey and personal milestones, revealing new projects and intimate details of her life. Her candid remarks underline her commitment to cultural heritage and the evolution of her music.
Musical Identity and Artistic Choices
Charaf expressed her versatility across various musical genres but emphasized that the Hassani style resonates most deeply with her artistic identity. She pointed out the limited number of female artists in Morocco who perform this genre, which she views as a significant cultural responsibility. “Maintaining this heritage is crucial,” she said, underscoring her dedication to presenting it authentically to her audience.
New Directions and Personal Reflections
In an exclusive statement, Charaf announced her upcoming release of a song in Spanish, marking a first in her musical career. She described this venture as an exciting challenge that she eagerly anticipates. Reflecting on her professional path, she shared that her previous experience as a journalist for Spanish television led her to conclude that journalism is more exhausting than music, prompting her transition to a dedicated music career.
Controversies and Personal Growth
Addressing the controversy surrounding her public image, Charaf confirmed that she underwent cosmetic procedures to enhance her appearance for her audience. She believes it is essential for artists to care for their looks while also focusing on their artistic contributions. On a personal note, she candidly discussed her experience with divorce, emphasizing that while her marriage gave her children, the separation has fostered her resilience and maturity. She maintains a respectful co-parenting relationship with her ex-husband, recently sending their daughter to the United States for summer with him.
Setting the Record Straight
Regarding rumors linking her to fellow artist Donia Batma, Charaf denied any existing conflict, clarifying that the issue stemmed from the “Hamza Mont Bibi” scandal, which she was also affected by. She noted that subsequent investigations revealed the involved parties, who faced legal consequences, and reiterated that she harbors no personal animosity towards Batma.
Concluding her remarks, Charaf emphasized her current focus on upcoming musical projects, aiming to produce works that maintain her Moroccan identity while embracing diverse musical experiences, including the Spanish song she plans to release soon.
