Life through sunglasses: The career of Moroccan pop star Saad Lamjarred

Saad Lamjarred, a Moroccan pop singer who is seldom seen without his trademark sunglasses and well-groomed facial hair, has shot to fame throughout the Arab World.

Lamjarred’s 2013 hit single, entitled “What’s wrong with my baby,” has amassed over 33 million views on video-sharing site YouTube – making it one of the most popular music videos ever released in the Arab World. And an April appearance in a Kuwaiti shopping mall was marked by hundreds of woman declaring their love for him in a chorus of screams.

Born in 1985 in the Moroccan capital of Rabat, Lamjarred is the son of well-known singer Bachir Abdou and popular actress Nezha Regragui. From the tender age of 4, Lamjarred displayed an interest in music, often singing his father’s songs.

Boy wonder

After attending the Conservatory of Music in Rabat for studies in music theory, the young singer made several appearance with his father. Then in 2007, he secured second place on Superstar, a Lebanese TV talent contest.

In 2011, Lamjarred diversified into acting, playing the male lead in Ahlam Nassim, a Moroccan soap opera. Then last year, he released an album, entitled “Wala Alik.” That same year, he released two other albums: “Salina” and “Enty,” the title song of which would become Lamjarred’s biggest hit.

But what does Lamjarred make of his own fame?

“I worked hard for something and I’m getting the good stuff now,” a smiling Lamjarred said in an interview with Al Arabiya in June.