Moroccan Singer Hajib Steps Away from Music After 40-Year Career

The Moroccan singer denies the information that he has retired from music for religious reasons. In an interview with Al3omk, he explains that he has rather ended his career out of the conviction that each era has its own men. After a career of nearly 40 years, he believes he must give way to young talents with exceptional voices, thus offering them a chance to become known on television and on stage.

Reacting to the controversy surrounding the broadcast of the first episodes of the "Annajm Chaâbi" show on the 2M channel, Hajib felt that the Moroccan people are free to express their opinion on the programs broadcast by the national channels. According to his explanations, the interaction generated by "Annajm Chaâbi" on social networks testifies to the interest of the Moroccan public in popular song, regardless of whether the comments are positive or negative. The controversy around this talent show in popular singing is beneficial for it and the criticisms must be taken into account if it wishes to last, the singer believes.

Hajib admits that some voices in "Annajm Chaâbi" are better than his own and deserve to have their chance on the stages, at festivals, and on the artistic programs of the national channels, currently dominated by only a dozen names. The Moroccan public is saturated with their voices and needs to discover new talents, he adds, noting that the viewers’ perception of the candidates differs from that of the jury, which ensures compliance with professional rules.

Moroccan Aïta has also been invited into the interview. Hajib tries to deconstruct the perception that popular artists are illiterate or poorly educated. "Every year I receive many students at my home who are preparing their research work on the Moroccan heritage, particularly on Aïta. In this field, every student is required by his professor to come and consult me," he adds. And to continue: "Researchers have discovered that the history of Aïta dates back to the 12th century. Modern songs have been inspired by it, as well as rhythms of popular music. Everyone is free to listen to what they want, but we must not underestimate popular song. The great Moroccan families appreciate it, because it is part of our heritage that some are trying to steal."