Rabat – Moroccan producer and songwriter Nadir Khayat, known by his stage name RedOne, said that the official song of the FIFA Club World Cup is a reflection of Tameghrabit -Moroccaness- stemming from his pride and love for his mother country.
RedOne made the statement during a press conference on the official song which he produced for the FIFA Club World Cup 2023. “I am proud to represent Morocco on the international level, alongside a big organization like FIFA,” he said.
FIFA released on Sunday the official song for the ongoing tournament, titled “Welcome to Morocco.” The music video featured several Moroccan artists, including Asma Lmnawar, Rym Fikri, Aminux, Nouaman Belaiachi, Zouhair Bahaoui, Hatim Ammor, and Dizzy DROS.
Moroccan producer RedOne speaking at the press conference
While RedOne is no stranger to producing songs that dominate global charts, including the official Qatar World Cup soundtrack, he felt immense pride and happiness for producing the official song of an important sporting tournament that is taking place in his motherland.
Producing the official Club World Cup track was an “emotional” experience for RedOne, and the job placed great “responsibility” on his shoulders. He explained that he was adamant to produce a groundbreaking song that does Morocco and its citizens justice.
Adding to the stakes, the President of the Moroccan Royal Federation of Football Fouzi Lekjaa, and FIFA’s President Gianni Infantino were looking forward to RedOne’s song.
The press conference for the official FIFA Club World Cup song
The song has so far garnered more than 1.7 million views on Youtube and is trending in Morocco.
Read also: Club World Cup: Ancelotti Says Real Madrid Is Happy to Be in Morocco
Explaining the choice of the song name “Welcome to Morocco,” RedOne said that it reflects Moroccan hospitality and openness to the world. “We are a country that always welcomes people,” he stressed.
Rym Fikri, Belaiachi, and Aminux were also present at the press conference alongside the Moroccan producer in the Moroccan Capital of Rabat. Meanwhile, Hatim Ammor, Dizzy DROS, and Douzi attended the conference virtually.
Moroccan artist Rym Fikri
Fikri expressed her pride for being part of the “Welcome to Morocco” song and working alongside the international producer RedOne and the talented Moroccan artists. She notably thanked RedOne for trusting her talent and giving her the opportunity to feature in his work.
For his part, Belaiachi highlighted the progress that Moroccan music has made in recent years, including reaching the global stage. He emphasized RedOne’s role in taking Moroccan music to the next level, as well as showcasing Moroccan culture.
Moroccan singer Nouaman Belaiachi
The “Welcome to Morocco” music video showcases various aspects of Morocco’s cultural heritage and history, as well as highlights the North African country’s hospitality and love for football.
Meanwhile, Aminux said that the song represents Moroccan diversity, explaining that the official Club World Cup song featured Moroccan artists coming from different Moroccan cities and regions.
Moroccan singer Douzi said that the success of the song also reflects the success of the country, including the Moroccan national football team. “The Moroccan national team honored Morocco last year and now we are honoring Morocco with art,” he said.
Moroccan singer Aminux speaking at the press conference
The Club World Cup is taking place in the Moroccan cities of Rabat and Tangier between February 1 and 11.
A total of seven clubs, including the winners of the six continental football confederations and the host country’s league champions, are participating in the Club World Cup.
The participating clubs are US’ Seattle Sounders, Auckland city, Al Ahly, Al Hilal, Brazil’s Flamengo, Spain’s Real Madrid, and Morocco’s Wydad AC (host).
Wydad Athletic Club (WAC), Seattle Sounders, Auckland City, and Flamengo were eliminated from the tournament after losing their opening matches.
