Ghita Lahmamssi soon began balancing her studies alongside her regular modelling projects, until she stepped forward in her education and began pursuing an MBA in Luxury Management.
Born and brought up in Essaouira, a city thriving in an abundance of art and culture in Morocco. Moroccan model, actor and singer Ghita Lahmamssi, began modelling during her childhood and would often take part in big gigs that made her reach a pivotal point in her professional journey. Ghita soon began balancing her studies alongside her regular modelling projects, until she stepped forward in her education and began pursuing an MBA in Luxury Management. Soon after, she had an opportunity to step into the world of cinema which further guided her to the musical route. The star spoke to L’Officiel India as she modelled and posed for the camera. She said: Fashion manifests itself in more than clothing, but also in feelings. Fashion has the power to make us feel something; it can be an outlet for self-expression and empowerment, it can inspire ourselves and others. Edited excerpts follow…
Q- The entertainment industry is one that is highly acclaimed for its star-studded power but the side that not many talk about is of the struggle that it requires to reach the stars. Tell us about your journey to fame? Also what first got you into music?
Whenever I look back at my journey, be it personally or professionally, I have always thanked my stars that have guided me to reach my goals. For me, the equation for a fruitful success chart is very simple talent, and a lot of hard work, yet perseverance is quite important herein as well. I have been lucky enough to have had opportunities in the entertainment industry since my childhood, but each of my stepping stones has required me to sacrifice something or the other. For me music was always a dream, I waited for the right time to get started, it was not easy, but my love for the craft pushed me to work hard and reach for the stars.
Q- What was your most memorable rockstar moment? Was there ever a time on stage when you felt extremely pumped up?
The most memorable moment for me was the first time when I got to perform live on stage, it was a strange feeling, a mixture of happiness, stress, pleasure, and fear. I remember how I felt nervous initially yet a jolt of energy struck through my body, as I set foot on stage and began performing. It gave me another level of confidence, one that I cherish forever.
It gave me another level of confidence, one that I cherish forever.
Q- How did you become interested in the realm of music? Also how has Moroccan culture inspired your rhythmic expedition?
To be honest, I never seemed to have time due to my hectic schedule to really set foot in the music industry, as I began receiving offers from the film and television fraternity right after I completed my graduation. I was constantly jumping from one project to the other, until one day when I realised that music was my inner calling, and I began working on my professional titles and albums. The music of Morocco is as diverse and as culturally rich as its people. Styles vary from region to region and are greatly influenced by the regions ethnic groups and cultural heritage. From rich musical culture with flavours of Berber, Andalusia, Spanish, Arabic, Saharan to Middle Eastern via La Affrique influences, have really inspired my creative process in making musical melodies.
Q- From Sahraoui music, Dakka Marrakchia, Chaabi, and Fusion to Andalusian classical music, the music of Morocco is just as magical as the country itself. How do you aim to capture the spirit of such a glorious country within your musical notes?
I truly accept that the music of Morocco is just as magical as the country itself. And being able to represent my music through my country’s culture, art and ethos fill me up with immense pleasure. I constantly try to work with international notes on the basis of their rhythm, and more often than not it gives the listener a feeling of being connected to a safer and more importantly sound environment.
Q- Why do you think music is such a powerful driver of emotion?
I often try to convey an often complex set of emotions, through my music and communicate it with an immediacy and universality that often sits outside of common language. I believe if we can all share our feelings, we can get a message across, and above all connect and unit our souls as one.
I believe if we can all share our feelings, we can get a message across, and above all connect and unit our souls as one.
Q- What have you been able to translate from the music industry into being successful in business?
Stepping into the limelight is never an easy feat, and the same was also experienced by me in my initial days in the industry. Yet what I have learned over the years is that music is an art, yet in order to transform it into a successful business opportunity for continuity all you need is good teamwork and organizational skills as well as high integrity.
Q- By being constantly under the spotlight, you are regularly being scrutinised for the perfect physique. What or who inspires you to stay true to your fitness goals? What does your current workout regimen look like?
I diligently look up to Jennifer Lopez for fitness inspiration. I’ve been in total envy of her sculpted physique for quite some time now, and am all the more impressed by it with the knowledge that J.Lo is about to turn 51 in July 2020.
I’ve been in total envy of her sculpted physique for quite some time now, and am all the more impressed by it with the knowledge that J.Lo is about to turn 51 in July 2020.
Q- You are no doubt very passionate about music and having a passion for your work is one contributing factor to being successful. What other ingredients do you believe are key to being successful in your chosen career?
When it comes to songwriting and being a performing singer, there are things that the most successful people do consistently. Yes, there are outliers and people that have extraordinary gifts that they are just born with. However, one thing we all can control is our work ethic. How many hours we put into our craft. Someone with natural talent that doesn’t put in the work, can be surpassed with average talent and hard work. Yet I believe that there are four aspects to being successful in the music industry, namely writing more songs, practicing your live performance, creating consistent content, and engaging people on social media and the real world.
Q- You made your first appearance in 2016 with the #Code web series produced by Inwi, followed by the Hdidan series, in 2018, broadcasted on 2M where you played the role of Cleopatra. With the presentation of Bik Wla Bia, Ghita you marked a milestone in your singing career too. What advice would you give to other women trying to build a career in your industry?
I have had the pleasure of working in the film as well as the television industry and showcase my talent left, right and centre. My only word of advice to the upcoming league of talented women would be to never let go of hope, always dream big and learn that there is no shortcut to hard work and success. The mantra for achievement is always paved through dedication and diligence. We all have our struggles and we all have a hidden talent that is waiting to be shown, all it takes is a step in the right direction to be unveiled.
We all have our struggles and we all have a hidden talent that is waiting to be shown, all it takes is a step in the right direction to be unveiled.
Q- As a celebrity of international repertoire your melodious voice blesses each song with the sort of inimitable spirit that transforms listeners into lifelong fans. How important do you think are social media platforms in todays time to help reach a larger audience?
All of the most well-known and successful musicians did not achieve their goals by thinking realistically about what seemed possible. On the contrary, they focused their mind like a laser only on what they truly wanted. Speaking of this, currently we are in the year 2020, and social media is the biggest distribution force yet. Given the lockdown, people tend to spend more time online than watching TV or listening to the radio; herein if we want to show off our roster of achievements to the public we have to spread it through social networks, effectively, clearly and concisel
Q- If you had to pick one song of your own discography that you absolutely love, what would it be?
I believe that each of my songs has its special place, but Kifach Nssiti which means how you forgot, is very special and close to my heart. I sang it for my mother and this song is a part of my album which is going to be released in September.
Q- What does fashion mean to you? Who are your favourite fashion designers?
Fashion is a snapshot of what you like or how you feel at a particular time, because of its ever-changing state and the way in which we choose certain looks over others. But the truth is I’ve paid attention to fashion all my life. It’s unavoidable, nobody can escape this form of self-expression and I am very fond of the design genius of Elie Saab and Azzedine Ala
I sang it for my mother and this song is a part of my album which is going to be released in September.
