Sofia Marikh’s Dubai shoot

creative lab was on set for the shoot of Moroccan star Sofia Marikh’s latest music video, produced by Dubai-based director David Zeenie.

A Moroccan beauty in black. A Lebanese director behind a camera. A production set, extras, lights, and a makeup crew. creative lab gets behind the scenes of the filming of singer Sofia Marikh’s latest music video, directed by Lebanese-American director David Zennie.

“We like every video to have a story behind it, and that’s what we’re trying to do for Sofia,” says Zennie. “We want a magical piece on screen with lively characters and a story arc.” Marikh’s new song, ‘Taht El Nazar’, which translates as ‘beneath your glance’, is an Egyptian style song.  The Moroccan singer began her career on Star Academy, a televised singing competition where she emerged as a finalist. 

We want a magical piece on screen with lively characters and a story arc

“The Moroccan style remains close to my heart,” says Marikh, who hails from Casablanca.  She released her first album, ‘Kelmet Hob’, or ‘the word love’, in 2007 and is now releasing singles off of her second album under the Rotana label. She has a lovely, feminine voice and her music videos reflect this. In one of them, she dances with butterflies flitting about her. In another, she dons a black Lanvin dress and sings from the rooftops of a building in Paris. 

This time, however, Zennie has constructed a storyline for her to follow and she is sharply dressed as video moves towards a theme of mystery and intrigue.

“Star Academy was the turning point in my life and I feel I’ve come a long way,” Marikh tells creative lab during a break from filming.

If you’re an aspiring songwriter, musician, or have an idea that you think can be translated into a production, creative lab can help. Take a look at some of our projects, and read stories of how we’ve helped turn ideas musical ideas into music videos such as Ana Emarati and Amana yaEmarati. Take some time to flesh out your concept and connect with composers, directors, musicians and creative individuals within the community. They can offer valuable feedback and advice. The creative lab team is committed to funding and developing ideas that can enrich community discourse and present a diversity of views. Get in touch and see if your idea is in tune with our mission.