Moroccan to the core, clinging to her human and artistic values, which she acquired over decades of artistic career, during which she accompanied adult caliber professors and artistic names immortalized in Moroccan memory.
Her wonderful “Maguiara” and other immortal Moroccan pieces that she excelled in singing made her write her name in golden letters as one of the most prominent pioneers of the Moroccan art scene and symbol of its symbols, which contributed to the enrichment of artistic art. a treasure trove of exceptional works that have succeeded in articulating its words and compiling them by a group of Moroccan creators.
Artist Latifa Raafat singled out Hespress for the following dialogue on the sidelines of her presence at an art evening at the Mohammed V Theater commemorating the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of the National Press Syndicate. He spoke of her memories in the corridors of national radio, and the secret of her attachment to the Moroccan song, in addition to her new and concert program for the New Year.
First of all, tell us about your feelings after returning to the national radio station in Rabat, which witnessed the beginning of Latifa Raafat’s success.
I cried a lot when I went to the national radio because I had a feeling that I can not describe, I was shocked because I saw a scene that I have not seen since 1992, i am writing to express my feelings, but tears flooded me, and I could not finish writing, and I cried so much.
I cried because I remembered the beautiful days of the past, I wanted at least a few of them to remain today, but eternity belongs to the Almighty, and the past does not remain.
To be honest, we missed out on a lot of what I hoped would remain at this time, like honesty, beautiful melodies, ancient people like Abdul Qadeer al-Rashdi, Fathallah al-Maghari, and a classical orchestra without modernity, everything it passed before me in a moment, like a fantasy.
She introduced a lot of immortal songs on the stage, amid the interaction of the audience, who said that the Moroccan song is still beautiful, so what can you say?
Praise God, despite my position in the major theaters of various Arab countries, the theater of Mohammed V has a special place in my heart, and I say that the youth of today have not heard anything from the Moroccan song in all sincerity, because they have turned into something else, and this great, because it made a Moroccan song heard In the light of the wave to the Gulf and the East, and the youth have the right to change, but our real old songs of the sixties and seventies, such as “Hold me far”, should never be abandoned .
How do you respond to those who accuse you of constantly performing ancient Moroccan works?
I always sing old plays because I grew up listening to these songs and I listened to them in my early years with my father and when I joined the national choir.
I see that the new generation should hear and repeat the old works, and I hope to present them in a more beautiful form. No one blames me for clinging to a real Moroccan song, “hatra” as we say.
You have been selected to participate in art evenings organized in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of the season in Riyadh, what does this mean for you?
I received an invitation from the head of the Turki Al-Sheikh Entertainment Authority, and I was honored to sing at the Abu Bakr Salem Theater on February 4th and introduce Moroccan art to the Moroccans in the Diaspora and to the Arabs in Saudi Arabia.
At first I was invited to the ceremony in honor of the “Voice of the Earth” Talal Maddah, but my creative obligations to the Press Syndicate, as well as my health prevented this. I hope everything goes well for me because I will be traveling this week and I hope to present the Moroccan song as it is, God willing.
Because of your friendship with the eminent artist Muhammad al-Ghawi, what do you want to say to him in his ordeal?
Muhammad al-Ghawi is my friend, brother and companion on my path, I was the first to know about his illness, as his daughter called me when I was in Turkey. He is a good man. He has always been charitable and calls me to express his condolences to his friends. I wish him a speedy recovery and return to us in health and well-being.
What is your new art?
I am attending a group of artistic tours inside and outside of Morocco, during which I will meet my favorite fans directly.
The last word
From this podium, I express my gratitude to the National Press Syndicate, which is credited with having lived through the noble feelings that I experienced during these two days, and I thank my dear fans for their love and support.
