Yes here I am, I’m excited to be writing my very first blog post! I wanted to start off with a question that has been on my mind for years – do I have multiple identities? It’s not a simple yes or no answer, but let me explain why.
El Mehdi is that shy person who loves spending time with his family and close friends. He enjoys reading books and watching movies alone, but gets nervous around large groups of people. He’s sarcastic at times but always funny and loves discussing anything with an open perspective. While Mehdayev is someone who loves to push boundaries and try new things. I am an adventurer at heart, always seeking out new experiences in nature and meeting new people. I am an extrovert who loves to party and talk to anyone with an open heart. Performing is second nature to me, and being on stage feels like home. The lights are my comfort zone, and making new friends comes easily to me.
A few years ago, when I was just starting out as an artist, I created an imaginary persona named Mehdayev Brayen. He was my little hero – someone who had the power to face the world of arts and inspire others. As a teenager growing up in a small city called Khouribga, there wasn’t much to do besides playing football or going to the youth center for activities like theatre, dance, and music. So I was inspired by English language media like MTV, MBC 2 and other English spoken channels, as well as the world of gaming and the power of the internet.
Have you ever wondered why artists have stage names? Well, let me tell you my story. My name is El Mehdi ETTALABI, but when I decided to pursue a career in the arts, I knew I needed a name that would represent my artistic identity. So why did I choose to call myself Mehdayev Brayen nstead of using my given name? It’s not just because it sounds cool – it has a purpose. My goal is to have an international career in music and acting, and Mehdayev Brayen represents that dream.
After graduating from the Higher Institute of Dramatic Art and Cultural Activities (ISADAC) in Rabat, I felt a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. The four years I spent at the institute were filled with rigorous academic training, practical experience, and exposure to various creative avenues. The curriculum at ISADAC was designed to equip us with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of performing arts. We were taught by experienced professionals who challenged us to push our limits and explore our creativity. Through workshops, seminars, and performances, we were able to hone our craft and develop our own unique style.
One of the most valuable aspects of my time at ISADAC was the opportunity to collaborate with fellow students from diverse backgrounds. This allowed me to broaden my perspective and learn from different cultural perspectives. It also helped me develop my interpersonal skills, which are essential in any artistic endeavor. Overall, my experience at ISADAC has opened up many new doors for me in terms of creative expression and career opportunities. I am grateful for the education I received there and look forward to applying what I have learned in my future endeavors.
Now, some people might think that changing your name means changing who you are as a person. But for me, it’s not about that at all. Whether I go by El Mehdi or Mehdayev, I am still the same person with the same goals and intentions. Having multiple identities isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It can help us explore different parts of ourselves and achieve our goals. For me, Mehdayev Brayen represents the confident artist within me who is ready to take on the world.
In fact, choosing a stage name was more about giving myself permission to fully embrace my creative side. It was a way of saying to myself and the world that this is who I am and what I want to do with my life. And while some might argue that using a stage name is just another way of seeking attention or fame, for me it’s about something much deeper than that. It’s about having a clear vision for my career and staying true to myself no matter what. So maybe someday if I change my mind and decide to go back to using my birth name, that’s okay too. What matters most is having a plan for my career and enjoying life despite all its challenges.
Now, you may be wondering where my stage name comes from. Well, it’s actually a combination of my first name, El Mehdi, and a desire for something more modern. As a 15-year-old with big dreams, I had played around with different names before finally settling on Mehdayev. But that’s not the only interesting fact about my name. My family has a long history in the region, with our original last name being “Ait Brayem.” However, my grandfather was an Imam of Mosque, so they changed it to “ETTALABI” refers to “Ait Taleb” which means “student of Quran” in Arabic.
So yes, both El Mehdi and Mehdayev are parts of who I am as a person and as an artist. But sometimes it can be difficult to communicate with people in Morocco because of the unique background of my stage name. Despite this challenge, I will continue to embrace my uniqueness and strive for new adventures in life. After all, that’s what makes me who I am today – a fearless explorer with a passion for performance and connection with others. At the end of the day, whether we go by our given names or stage names, what really matters is staying true to ourselves and pursuing our passions with purpose and intention. Our names may hold significance and meaning, but they do not define who we are or what we are capable of achieving. It is our actions, values, and beliefs that truly shape our identity and impact the world around us.
Whether we choose to use a stage name for artistic expression or stick with our given name for personal reasons, it is important to remember that authenticity and integrity should always be at the forefront of our endeavors. We should strive to stay true to ourselves and our values, even in the face of challenges or criticism. It is not the name we go by that matters, but rather the impact we make on the world through our talents, passions, and contributions. By staying true to ourselves and pursuing our passions with purpose and intention, we can create a meaningful legacy that transcends any name or label.
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