The wait is over for Moroccan singers who took part in the annual Génération Mawazine talent contest.

Of the four contestants who made it to the final last Friday (March 28) in Rabat, rapper Draganov made the biggest impression on the jury.

Draganov (real name Adnan Mahyou) began his career in 2008. Winning the prestigious Moroccan talent search will open new doors for the Oujda native.

"This award is the real beginning of my art career," Mahyou told Magharebia. "I'll start by recording a professional album and giving concerts, which is the dream of all young talents."

"I wasn't sure about winning, but I was confident about the quality of my performance," he added. "My DJ friend and I put everything we had into it."

Jury chairman Ahmed Aidoune was satisfied with the results of the competition.

"Draganov's win is a message from us to rap music talents in particular," Aidoune told Magharebia. "We rewarded the efforts of a rap singer who tried to present several things focused on feelings and imagination," he said.

"He also made good use of the stage, and chose a good type of accompanying music, given that his DJ works with a soundtrack mentality," he noted.

As to the perks of the contest, Aidoune said: "The winner receives a 5-year contract with the event organiser, Maroc-Cultures Association (AMC)."

This includes management of the singer's career and the release of an album.

The young rapper will also perform in the annual Mawazine World Rhythms festival, alongside high-calibre stars such as Justin Timberlake, Nancy Ajram, Stromae and Souad Massi.

"This gives him the chance to sing before a very large audience; something that will help him gain experience and self-confidence. This is in addition to participation as a guest in soirées during the next rounds of Generation Mawazine," Aidoune added.

"However, the most important aspect of this contract is bringing the winner together with professionals in music, production and sound engineering," he noted.

"Zoubida Fennich" from Rabat and Casablanca rock bands "Rock-Bat" and "Twisted" also made it to the finals.

"When we founded the band in 2013, we didn't have the intention to take part in such contests," Rock-Bat told Magharebia. "We reached the final, and this in itself is a major achievement for us."

The band added, "Participation in such contests is a means to gain experience and fame, which will allow us to take part in festivals and thus increase our popularity."

They also hope to use their new fame to send a message.

"We're working hard to write the lyrics of our songs, which carry calls to youths to renounce all negative trends and go on paths leading to progress and development," they said.

Source: Magharebia