Moroccan “chikhates”, these popular singers embody strength and freedom. Director Nabil Ayouch, always fascinated by their melancholic yet joyful prose, created Everybody Loves Touda after finding the perfect actress for the role.
Nabil Ayouch often includes “chikhates” in his works, portraying them as secondary characters in films such as Les Chevaux de Dieu and Razzia.
His inspiration for Everybody Loves Touda came when he discovered Nisrin Erradi, who plays Touda, the main character, in his wife Maryam Touzani’s film, Adam. In Ayouch’s eyes, Erradi perfectly embodies the strength of the “chikhates”. He explained: “I found her remarkable. She had the strength of character and all the qualities that I was looking for in an actress for this role. She inspired me to write and awakened my desire to finally make a film dedicated to these incredibly courageous women, powerful in their expression, in their art of Aïta, and who played an important role in the history of the country. This film is a way to pay tribute to them.”
Nisrin Erradi, who plays Touda, revealed that she fully invested herself in the role, which deeply touched her. So much so that she declined other projects for two years, devoting herself entirely to Touda. She admitted that it was difficult to leave the character behind.
The actress expressed her pride in representing these modern women, who are essential to the history of Morocco: “Deep down, I am a strong woman, and I love playing characters like this. Chikhates are strong women who need someone to tell their stories. I think I did justice to the role of a chikhate, amplifying their voices so that they can be heard around the world,” explained Nisrin Erradi.
This story is an illustration of the power of Moroccan femininity, artistic creativity and the ability to make one’s voice heard despite obstacles. It highlights the talent and commitment of the artists who carry these important stories with passion and determination, while offering a new perspective on the contribution of women to Moroccan culture and history.