Nidal Ibourk: Morocco World News’ Young Female Artist of the year

New York- It is true that an expatriate leaves one’s country, but love of one’s country never leaves one’s heart. Millions of Moroccans reside all over the world for a myriad of reasons. There are those who are knowledge seekers; those who are chasing job opportunity; and those who pursue maturity, wisdom and a broad vision through integration, assimilation and exposure to different cultures and peoples.

These people can be male or female of different ages and various professions whether students, athletes, artists, politicians etc… The main denominator that binds them all together is their perpetual love to their country and their incessant efforts for the purpose of serving their country’s image abroad. Above all, we are all ambassador to our country.

One of the many talented Moroccans who distinguished herself for the past few years through hard work and motivation, patience and determination for success is Nidal Ibourk.

Nidal Ibourk is a virtuous singer and an exceptional scholar in the U.S. Nidal was born in Rabat, Morocco and moved to the U.S. in 2006. Upon graduating with her Bachelor Degree in English Studies from Ibn Tofail University, Nidal received a full scholarship from the U.S. State Department to complete her postgraduate studies at Kent State University. In 2008, she earned her second Bachelor’s in Organizational Communications and recently obtained a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Training and Development.

Her fine music talent and interpretation of much of the Arab traditional music repertoire led to her collaboration with internationally renowned Violin and Oud master Simon Shaheen. Through her collaboration with Simon Shaheen, Nidal revived the Arab music repertoire of the 50’s and 60’s era and successfully presented authentic music to the American audience across the States.

Since 2008, Nidal performed in distinguished venues in Morocco and abroad such as the Festival of Rabat, festival of Marrakech, Festival of Youth Music, Musicana Top 10 and Star Search on MBC channel and the U.S. embassy in Rabat.

What distinguishes Nidal as an artist is her commitment to preserve her cultural heritage and present a genius repertoire of classical Arabic and Moroccan music. Her sophisticated presence on stage is not only reflected through her fine selection of songs, but also through her traditional outfits that shows her pride in her roots. As an active speaker in universities and community events, Nidal has spoken to a wide range of youth on her cultural background and her experience in America as a young successful Muslim.

Her mission is to help newcomers engage in the American society through their unique cultural identity. Nidal says “this is the only way we can fight the negative media image against Muslims and as ambassadors of our countries here, our culture brings a sense of empowerment so we should all use it to make a difference and set a role model to the rest”.

For the above mentioned reasons, MWN chose Nidal Ibourk as its young female artist of the year 2011.