Sofia Mestari has evolved her perception of music beyond the realm of artistic expression, recognizing it as a powerful medium for uniting diverse peoples and cultures. The Moroccan-French artist, who gained prominence in France at an early age, is now directing her creative energies towards Africa, embarking on new projects that seamlessly blend contemporary rhythms with her Moroccan roots and a broader African identity. Her recent efforts reflect a commitment not only to her artistic journey but also to the celebration of African unity and cultural diversity.
On April 23, the vibrant atmosphere of the "Live Arts Studio" in Casablanca was electrified by the sounds of the "Voices of Africa" concert, an event orchestrated by Sofia Mestari, which showcased a remarkable ensemble of Moroccan and African artists. This concert was more than just a musical performance; it served as a jubilant celebration of African solidarity and the rich tapestry of cultural heritage that the continent embodies. The event also supported the association "Les Bonnes Œuvres du Cœur," which is dedicated to assisting children suffering from heart conditions across Morocco and various African nations. The lineup featured an impressive array of talent, including Ahmed Soultan, Sanâa Kadmiri, Abir El Abed, Marema, and Cheikh Tijani Seydi, all of whom contributed to the evening's resounding success.
In her conversation with Yabiladi, Sofia Mestari expressed her vision for the concert, stating, «It's not just a musical concert; it's an entire continent, a single voice, and above all, one unified heart.» This sentiment reflects her deep-rooted connection to her Moroccan heritage, which she utilizes as a bridge to foster unity among African cultures. Born in Casablanca, Mestari treasures the memories of her childhood in Marrakech before her family relocated to France in pursuit of educational opportunities for her sister. This move to Paris marked a pivotal moment in her life, initially presenting challenges but eventually blossoming into a wellspring of artistic inspiration, as she found solace within the city's theaters, museums, and iconic architecture. She describes this transition as a transformation of her sense of uprooting into a newfound artistic freedom.
Even before her foray into music, the stage was a familiar space for Mestari. Her early experiences performing in a tourist club where her father worked laid the groundwork for her passion, as she fondly recalls, «I enjoyed singing in front of tourists. They were my first audience.» The values instilled in her during her Moroccan upbringing—family, solidarity, and cooperation—continue to shape her identity and artistic expression. At the age of fourteen, her career took a decisive turn when she joined a cover band, honing her craft for two years before her breakthrough concert at "Divan du Monde" in Paris. This performance caught the attention of producers, paving the way for her professional music career and a subsequent contract with "Universal Music France."
Mestari's career trajectory skyrocketed when she represented France in the prestigious "Eurovision" contest at just nineteen, performing the song "On aura le ciel." This experience, which she now describes as "almost surreal," was marked by the excitement of performing at the iconic "Olympia" hall in front of a jury led by Patrick Fiori and millions of viewers. Proud of her Moroccan roots, she reminisces about watching the show as a child in Morocco and later performing before an audience of 23,000 at the final in Sweden, a venue that had hosted Janet Jackson just a week prior.
While continuing her education in Paris, where she obtained a literary baccalaureate, Mestari initially aspired to become a notary. However, her passion for music gradually took precedence, leading her to a flourishing career characterized by successful albums, tours, and collaborations with renowned artists like Eros Ramazzotti, Florent Pagny, and Julien Clerc, as well as appearances on major French television shows.
In tandem with her artistic accomplishments, Mestari has remained devoted to community work. She became an ambassador for the "Rêves" association alongside notable figures like Vanessa Paradis and Johnny Hallyday and actively supported the "Fight Aids" foundation led by Stéphanie de Monaco. Her commitment to social causes remains unwavering, as she serves as an ambassador for the "Enfants du désert" association in the Errachidia region and supports "Baraka Angels" for children in mountainous areas. She also leads her own initiative, "Musique et Culture Sans Frontières," emphasizing her dedication to healthcare, education, and initiatives that bring joy to children's lives. "Music has three powers: unification, awareness, and message transmission," she asserts, underlining the profound impact she wishes to have through her work.
As her career progressed, Mestari began to seek new challenges, reflecting, «At a certain point, I felt that I had done almost everything in Europe.» This realization prompted her to reconnect with her roots, her homeland, and her continent, proudly declaring, «It's a return to the basics, to the family trunk, and to true rootedness.» This return became particularly significant in 2020 when she performed in Abidjan for the "Children of Africa" foundation, an event supported by the Moroccan Embassy and Moroccan businesses in Côte d'Ivoire, which successfully funded 12,000 school bags for Ivorian students.
This experience marked a transformative moment in Mestari's artistic journey, as her music began to resonate with a deeper connection to Africa. Since then, she has collaborated with artists like DJ Van, producing tracks such as "Africa," a heartfelt tribute to Morocco and the continent that masterfully blends modern rhythms with traditional instruments like the "kora." Currently, she is also working on a trio project with Ahmed Soultan and Lokua Kanza.
Through her initiative "Voices of Africa," Mestari aspires to establish the concert as an annual traveling event, bringing together diverse talents in different cities each year. She envisions this platform as a means to extend a helping hand, provide opportunities for deserving young artists, and foster spaces where cultural exchange and discovery can thrive.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
