Young Moroccan musicians will find out Friday (March 21st) if they will stay in the 2014 Génération Mawazine competition.
Out of 28 rap, rock, electronic and other music bands that began try-outs in February, ten advanced to tomorrow's semi-finals in Rabat.
The band or singer that wins the final round on March 28th will perform in the annual Mawazine World Rhythms festival, alongside high-calibre stars such as Justin Timberlake, Nancy Ajram, Stromae and Souad Massi.
"What distinguishes this round is the high level of participants in rock music, as compared to rap music participants, unlike previous rounds," jury chairman Ahmed Aidoune told Magharebia.
"We've also noticed a new indicator of the openness of serious youths who deal with criticism scientifically and objectively, unlike previous generations of musicians," he added. "Current musicians also have that sort of self-criticism in case they're unlucky when they take part in a contest."
He added, "Moroccan youths are creative whether there are means or not, and this in itself is a source of optimism."
One such group is Rebellion Clinic.
The young rockers told Magharebia, "We've taken part in the Génération Mawazine contest because we have great confidence in our abilities."
"To us, this contest is like a bridge to cross to the world of professionalism. For the time being, we're concentrating on local contests, but we don't mind taking part in international contests if we have a chance. We hope to set sail from our country," they said.
"Our ambition is to move together as a band towards success and brilliance, that way we'll have that desired self-realisation," the group added. "We also want to promote rock music in Morocco, where this genre of music has unfortunately not been given the true standing it deserves. We hope to be a part of a process to reinstate that music although we sing in the Moroccan darija."
In her turn, Zoubida Fennich told Magharebia, "Génération Mawazine is the only hope for me to change my condition and join the world of professionalism. I've been practicing music since I was 15 years old. I'm very optimistic, and I aspire to produce songs and go on tours inside and outside Morocco."
Meanwhile, Experience band, which didn't reach the semi-finals, told Magharebia, "We founded our band in Khemisset in 2005. We sing Funk Rock music, and our goal behind our musical productions and participation in contests is fun rather than money."
They explained, "We're university students who love music. We give concerts using on our own means, and the only thing we get so far is the amusement of young people in town."
"Our goals is to improve our level," the band told Magharebia. "We also want to show the excellence of Moroccan music across the world. In spite of obstacles facing youths, they have to be optimistic about the future and to work and develop their capabilities so their country can be proud of them. Music can help with that."
© Magharebia.com 2014
