X Factor winner Mohammed Rifi Moroccan X-Factor winner Mohammed Rifi is brimming with pride after receiving a congratulatory message from King Mohammed VI of Morocco for coming out on top in the televised singing competition. Rifi gushed to Arabstoday: “When I received the message I was overcome with happiness. I couldn’t believe it.”
Speaking about the recent criticism he’s received from both the Lebanese and Moroccan press, the star explained that he refuses to focus on the negative. Rifi added that winning title is the most important thing to him and negates any pessimistic reports.
The singer expressed his elation at raising the flag of Morocco in Lebanon after winning. He added that the Lebanese people are “wonderful” and “supportive,” despite the few who attempted to “wage a war” against him.
Rifi asserted that he always received the largest percentage of the votes, and the gap between him and the other contestants was considerable in the final result.
The star also extended his thanks to the Egyptian people for their votes and supporting him as much as the people of Morocco and other Arab countries throughout the programme.
Rifi also thanked his mentor on the show, UAE singer Hussain Al Jasmi, saying he is the “coolest person he knows.” He added that if was placed in another team, he would not have excelled as much. Rifi said: “Al Jasmi understood my musical taste and believed in me from the very first audition.”
Al jasmi nicknamed Rifi Volcano, which the star says helped spur him on to do better and intensify his vocal training.
Rifi asserts that the fame garnered from winning X Factor hasn’t changed him, saying he still maintains close relationships with his friends and family.
Speaking about his future, Rifi told Arabstoday that he is currently recording a new Moroccan song.  The singer will also shoot an accompanying music video. Rifi expressed his desire to reach international audiences, saying he particularly wants to bring Moroccan music to the Orient.
Addressing critics who attribute his success to dumb luck, Rifi asserted: “You are supposed to be proud of me. I brought the title to Morocco, so leave the criticism to non-Moroccans. To those who consider my success just luck, take your chances on the programme and see how well you do.”
Rifi had a much more heartfelt message for his fans, saying: “Greetings to all the Arabs who supported me, I love you from the bottom of my heart.”