Moroccan Artisan Urges Oprah to Spotlight Local Craftsmanship After Marrakech Visit

In a video posted on her Instagram account, Moroccan artisan Kenza Oulaghda, a passionate advocate for rural artisans and co-founder of the Anou cooperative, addressed Oprah Winfrey. "Oprah, on your next visit, we would love for you to meet real artisans to learn more about the hard work they do to protect the craftsmanship we all love so much," she suggested to her. The famous host has not yet responded to the Moroccan’s call.

This message echoes the feelings of artisans who have long struggled against the difficulties posed by intermediary shops that often pay them less than minimum wage for their complex craft work, notes Morocco World News. "Unfortunately, these intermediary shops pay the artisans less than a dollar a day. This harms our craftsmanship and our environment in many ways," Oulaghda said, adding that Anou’s artisans, founded a decade ago by herself and other like-minded artisans, are developing one of Africa’s most advanced sustainable supply chains, including solutions to the climate crisis.

In July, Oprah Winfrey stayed in Marrakech, where she immersed herself in Moroccan culture, including traditional music, cuisine and crafts. "I spent two lovely days in Marrakech, Morocco, which wasn’t enough to discover such a beautiful culture. But I was able to discover Souk Semmarine, indulge in a delightful engaging meal under a Moroccan tent, learn the art of carpet making (especially how they are made with the 360 women’s cooperative) and dance all night!" the famous American host enthused. During her stay, she visited intermediary shops selling Moroccan craft products.