National Festival of Popular Arts pays tribute to singer Nouamane Lahlou

MARRAKECH - The National Festival of Popular Arts (FNAP) paid tribute Saturday to Nouamane Lahlou, a singer, composer, author and music researcher, at the Palais des Congres in Marrakech for his prolific artistic career.

Before an almost packed amphitheatre, Lahlou sang a rich repertoire of Moroccan songs with his orchestra which was led by maestro Montasire Hmala, taking the fans to a journey of Moroccan cities, from Oujda to Marrakech.

He opened the concert with his renowned song “Bladi ya zint el boldan” (My country, one of the most beautiful countries). Lahlou praised poet Mohammed Sqalli who wrote the song for him.

Actor and humourist Mehdi Foulane said that he learned a lot from Lahlou in terms of music, artistic culture and Moroccanness.

“Nouamane is a guy who masters his music and who loves the Moroccan folklore and culture,” said Foulane.

Sqalli said Marrakech is celebrating one of the most iconic singers in both Morocco and the Arab world.

“Nouamane is a man who valued my me a lot, unlike other singers for whom I wrote songs,” said Sqalli.

Mohamed Knidiri, President of the FNAP and the Grand Atlas Association, said the festival was honoured to celebrated the great artist.

“We are delighted to celebrate Lahlou as a star of this year’s edition. Everybody knows how fond he is of Morocco’s popular arts which represent our identity and culture,” said Knidiri.

“This is why we honour everyone who respects and values our heritage,” he added.

Popular arts troupes played with Lahlou for every song about Moroccan cities, blending heritage with classical songs.

The Moroccan singer also emotionally sang about Gaza and its plight, bringing some fans to tears.