Songs and Solidarity
Xoussef's comment on Hind's "Give me a sign" — that the song is "banal" but the video is "wonderful," seems to me to be right on. Several other points struck me. One was that I don't see that many Moroccan (or Moroccan inspired) songs in English; pace Marrakesh Express. The other is the degree to which the video is orientalized, from Hind's dress to the images of her mysterious hooded lover to the dance scene at the end. I would be very curious to know how this song speaks to Moroccans — to me it seemed to play very much to a European/American fantasy of Morocco, but perhaps my own view is too crude and stereotyped.
I was also very struck by Xoussef's reasons that he won't blog for a Maghreb Union: to me, the proposed Union seems a noble aspiration but not a political possibility.
^^ hi
what a nice surprise to find a Linkback to my posts in Thé à la menthe!
i agree it's may be an european/american fantasy about Morocco, but the bait is the same: sexy girl, handsome guy, beautiful location, seasoned by a 1001 nights fantasy :) so it works like a charm.
i think the few Moroccan inspired English songs can easily pretend to be inspired by Egypt or Yemen. it's every time the same Arabian-ish atmosphere, rarely Moroccan or North african. The French are more influenced by Raï music, or Gnawa, so they make more Maghreb-ish songs.