Mr.ID is a Moroccan based DJ/Producer who also helps run the well-known Elbaraka record label and party brand. We caught up with him recently to find out more about the Moroccan scene and its roots, and to hear about his recent release ‘Black Diamond’ and how it came to be…

WWD: Hey MR.ID! Introduce yourselves and give us some background on you as an artist?

I’m Abderrahman Elhafid AKA Mr.ID and as my Instagram bio says : I’m a « Moroccan DJ seeking inspiration from Nature and Cultural Roots to make music that connects you with your inner self ». Raised and born in Casablanca. I’ve been in the scene for more than 10 years. I’m a producer as well, leading the Elbaraka Family label.

WWD: You live in Casablanca, is that correct? What is the scene like there? What sounds are popular?

Exactly, it’s not the capital but definitely the biggest city in Morocco. The city leading Morocco’s economy, so lots of opportunities but leading also in terms of cultural diversity as people living there are coming from different parts of Morocco and the world. A quite developped city, so people have been exposed very early to international music through satellite and more recently Internet or some internationally famous festivals like Mawazine.

International Pop, RnB or Rap have succeeded to influence a young generation of Moroccan artists that are now starting to be widely known. (Especially in Rap Music) Electronic music is getting bigger and bigger in Morocco, it started with private « niche » parties, then it painted the clubbing scene in big cities like Casablanca, Marrakech or Rabat to finally have big festivals exclusively around it.

Last but not least, pure Moroccan popular music that I also try to keep alive thanks to the sounds I make.

WWD: How much does the landscape and way of life and culture of your hometown influence your music?

It has a huge influence. Morocco is a rich country in terms of sub cultures and music types linked to it. Music can sound very different from one region to another, using different instrument, dialects…

Casablanca is welcoming all these differences and my aim is to let the world and the younger moroccan generation discover how relevant these sounds can be to today’s music fans expectations. Backstories and myths behind the subcultural moroccan music I’m using are also a driver of emotions and feelings when I make music and when fans listen to it.

WWD: Where does other inspiration come from? Dreams? TV? Life?

I would say personal life first and foremost. My values and beliefs are a result of my life experience. It’s a driver for very personal energy and emotions that a lot of people can identify to at the end of the day. It’s « coming from the heart » as we say in Morocco and people feel it and I can also feel this connection on sets.

WWD: Tell us about your recent single ‘Black Diamond’?

Black Diamond has a huge symbolic for me and Andile Mbili, a very talented South African artist who took the track to another dimension thanks to his vocals. The aim is to celebrate Africa through the sounds used in this track, but also a message of hope through the lyrics, for all the people struggling with their differences : Your colour is your strength. It came under the Buddha Bar label that I take the opportunity to thank through this interview!

WWD: And tell us more about Elbaraka family and how it came together?

Elbaraka Family is a Moroccan label that promotes electronic music with an African hence Moroccan touch mixed with other international inspirations. The idea came after seeing the white space in terms of this specific kind of vibes in Morocco. With the support of 2 other moroccan DJs who share the same vision, we wanted to create a « landmark » for artists who are in need of artistic support in order to express themselves. I had to do it as I struggled to create music and to promote in my early career days. I want to help this generation to save time and effort to focus exclusively on music and give the best they can.

WWD: What is the aim of the label? What do you look for when signing a release?

The aim of the label is to tell the world that there is an electronic scene in Morocco and that it has its own specifities that will make people enjoy it. A lot of people come to Morocco for touristic reasons to embrace the culture and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes. Now we want to say that even with music travelling can be possible. When signing a release, it’s more the vibe we are feeling that will matter. Music needs to have clear cultural roots and come from the heart.

WWD: What else do you have planned for the rest of the summer you would like to share?

Well many sets in Morocco and a few abroad so it will be a quite busy end of summer. Besides, there is an album coming up soon, another opportunity for the fans to discover more of what Morocco and Africa have to give in terms of electronic music. All dates will be communicated through my Instagram account. I’m sure you will love it, so stay tuned!

Mr.ID’s “Black Diamond” is out now on Buddha Bar
Grab it here

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