‘My talent and charisma attracted Shireen to me’

‘Strawberry’ was a huge hit with viewers of The Voice Casablanca – Yousra Mostafa Ghannam may not have won the title of “The Voice”, but he did win the heart of a nation. Fred, known as "strawberry", has wanted to be a part of the music scene since the age of six , and despite his difficult upbringing, devoted himself to his art. He was able to achieve his goal of being a musical success through the Mayara Band, who won a season of the TV show Generation Balance. His songs were listened to by millions on the internet after his striking appearance on MBC’s screen and the public voted overwhelmingly in his favour. Arabstoday interviewed him after his return to his home country of Morocco.
Arabstoday: Most of your songs in The Voice were by the “King of Rai” Cheb Khaled, is he your musical idol?
Fred Ghannam: My idol is the American jazz singer Al Jarreau, but of course I also love Cheb. I admire his global artistic style and hope to work with him.
AT: You were one of Shireen Abdul Wahab’s favorite participants, did her support helped you get to the finals?
FG: Certainly. Shireen asked me to join her team at the beginning, then she chose me again at the confrontation stage, I think she trusted in my abilities.
AT: Can we see you in joint work soon?
FG: I would first like to clarify that it is my talent and charisma that attracted Shireen to me right from the beginning. Unfortunately this was interpreted by some as a hidden love affair. I am just her diligent student who makes her proud of his performance, nothing more, nothing less. But I do hope a joint venture would bring us together musically in the near future.
AT: How did The Voice benefit you?
FG: It was a unique experience, a new beginning for my career.
AT: What is your next step?
FG: I plan to continue on my career track in a European country, though I have not settled on a choice yet. I didn't get many opportunities at home, I have been singing in Morocco for years without receiving recognition or attention.
AT: Does this mean that you would give up singing in the Moroccan dialect?
FG: Never, I will continue to sing the Moroccan dialect, but I will work on developing my style to give a new breath to Moroccan heritage.
AT: What about the Mayara Band?
FG: Mayara Band will continues on its’ technical track but I have I pulled out. My name is Fred Ghannam, and I will continue my career with that name, as an individual.
AT: What would you like to say to your fans?
FG: I would like to pay tribute to all the Moroccan talents who participated in The Voice, they were a source of honor to Morocco. I hope Morocco art officials don't forget these talents and try to give them a hand.