The Mawazine sessions: interviews from Nancy Ajram to Angelique Kidjo

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  Turkish singer Cigdem Aslan. Courtesy Yassine Hamrouni

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  Singer Kadem Saher.

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  Angelique Kidjo. Dave Kotinsky / Getty Images / AFP

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  Jamila El Badaoui. Courtesy Festival Mawazine

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  Wael Jassar performing during the 13th Mawazine Rhythms of the World music festival in Rabat. Courtesy Karim Tibari

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  Sarah Savoy performing at the 2014 Mawazine festival. Courtesy Sife Elamine

This a compilation of an eight part summer series, The Mawazine Sessions. Arts& Life's entertainment reporter Saeed Saeed sat down in Morocco to interview an eclectic array of music artists. Ranging from Arab-pop diva Nancy Ajram and Iraqi music king Kadim Al Sahir to African music queen Angelique Kidjo and influent French rappers IAM. Let's take a look back at some of the insights revealed from these informal chats.

Nancy Ajram

The Lebanese diva hit back critics who slammed her role as a judge on MBC's Arabs Got Talent. "I think those who say that have not watched the show or perhaps watched it but didn't listen," she said. "I didn't get to where I am now with ease. Before I released my first single, Akhasmak Ah, I studied music for nearly 10 years, including composition on the oud, vocalism and music theory. So the people who make these claims about my comments on the show are wrong. If they truly followed the show they would also realise I make comments about the performance in terms of the song, its modes and arrangements. I came to this show to help and not say "You have a great voice" and "I love your hair and make-up". Read more here.

IAM

The legendary French hip-hop collective IAM speak about their Arabic musical influences. "I was reading a book about the history of Arab poetry," says rapper Akhenaton, whose real name is Philippe Fragione. "I was amazed by its description of the poetry, which to me was basically similar to rapping. So all we are doing is continuing that tradition. The essence of poetry and rapping is really about communication." Read more here.

Cigdem Aslan

Cigdem Aslan is leading the charge in the renaissance of rebetiko, a Greek and Turkish sung genre that has been referred to as the Blues of the Aegean "It is the music of others," she explains. "It originated in the suburbs and cafes in Turkey and Greece and it's made by people who can't fit into the norms of society or who haven't been accepted. I won't say it's miserable, but the songs tell you stories of people and the sorrows they experienced." Read more here.

Kadim Al Sahir

The Iraqi singer and The Voice judge Kadim Al Sahir says he is more relaxed in the public eye and longs to return to Iraq and perform. I used to be a bit quieter. It's not in my hands, I grew up as a bit of an introvert and I was never the kind to go out late and party. Even when I am working, after I perform a concert, I immediately go home and start working on more songs. I have to tell you, I pay deep attention and work hard when it comes to creating music. I am always thinking of new concepts and lyrics. The kinds of songs and poetry I am presenting are not easy. Also, the audience are very sharp and they are aware of everything such as the way I pronounce the words and they would point it out when I make a mistake. The Voice helped me break that barrier and be more laid-back. Read more here.

Angélique Kidjo

The world music star speaks about her new memoir and the challenges facing African music. "African music stands where our economy stands," she says. "People just want that single story about Africa they have been told again and again throughout, over centuries. It gives them security and makes them feel strong. They don't want to get out of their comfort zone and confront the truth that the lives they are ­living is at the cost of many Africans." Read more here.

Jamila El Badaoui

Dubai-based Moroccan singer Jamila El Badaoui's on her pitch-perfect Khaleeji dialect. "Moroccans rarely have problems with understanding or taking on different dialects. If you give us some time, we can have it down 100 per cent," she says. "The reason is that Morocco has many dialects of its own, from the classical Arabic to Berber and Amazegh. Each of these are totally different, so we need to pay attention and understand them in order for us to communicate with each other." Read more here.

Wael Jassar

The popular Lebanese crooner Wael Jassar talks about his soon to be announced television talent show. "The show I want to produce is going to focus more on the positive than the negative," he says. "At the same time, one thing I can assure you is that I am not going to support voices that have no talent. The show is about finding voices that really deserves your support, based on the quality and not the popularity. In terms of my involvement, what I can say is that I always have the public's concern at heart. I want to be fair to the viewer and not just the contestant." Read more here.

Sarah Savoy

Sarah Savoy talks about how Cajun music is an musical expression of a way of life. " It's our music, our food and the way we live and work together," she says. "So no matter where we live, that way of life is still with us. So I live in France, the capital of cheese and bread. But I will call my Cajun friend and say "I am making some Shrimp Etouffee do you want to come over? She would come down and we would eat and then play music together. That's how we live and it becomes contagious once you are part of it." Read more here.