From the ancient city of Fez to the modern metropolis of Dubai, and now India, where she currently resides, Lamiaee Slassi—known to her audience as Lamiss Amya—is charting her own course in the world of music. With a violin in one hand and a mixer in the other, she weaves together Eastern roots and contemporary rhythms, telling the story of a Moroccan woman determined to leave her mark through music. Every time she steps behind the mixer, she asks herself: How do I bring it all together? How do I merge Morocco, the violin, techno, and the dreamer within me into a single moment? Then she smiles and begins, pressing a button, pulling a wave, introducing a live violin note, and the journey begins. The audience may not realize it, but she's not just performing; she's telling her story, with all its roots, rebellion, and freedom. The Girl Who Chose the Violin at First Sight It all began early. Lamia was just six years old when her mother noticed her unique sensitivity to sounds and melodies. «My mother had a hunch that music was part of who I am», she recalls. That intuition led them to the conservatory, a place where Lamia would discover herself. On her first day, she listened to various instruments: the piano, guitar, oud, flute… But when the sound of the violin filled the air, something clicked. «That sound touched me deeply. I fell in love instantly, and since that day, I haven't let go of it», she tells Yabiladi. Her journey began with classical music. The violin became her first language, an instrument that allowed her to express emotions she couldn't yet put into words. «It was a way to release my feelings and express myself without speaking». Lamia grew up in Fez, her hometown, nurtured by a deep love of music. She went on to earn a medal in solfège and violin at the conservatory, while simultaneously pursuing her academic path. She studied law and communication, eventually earning a PhD in public law and political science from the Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences in Mohammedia. A sharp mind and a dreamer's spirit. But classical training wasn't enough. After discovering electronic music, she found a new outlet for expression. «Electronic music gave me the freedom I'd been craving. I wanted to create a bridge between tradition and modernity, between the spiritual sound of the violin and electronic textures». Thus was born Lamiss Amya—her artistic alter ego and the heart of a bold musical project blending techno, classical, and oriental influences. A Woman in a Male-Dominated Scene The path hasn't been easy. In a world still dominated by men, Lamiss—now based in Mumbai for the past five years—has had to prove herself «twice over», as she puts it. «You have to prove yourself both technically and artistically, and still maintain confidence despite preconceived notions». But she's learned to turn those challenges into strength, to stay true to her rich identity and vision. «I've learned to hold onto my vision and not let stereotypes sway me». She has one album out and a second in the works, blending melodic techno, live violin, and oriental sounds. Music videos are being filmed in Morocco, India, and the UAE, promising an immersive visual journey to match the musical one. While she performs regularly, it's the festival stage that truly lights her fire. «That moment when adrenaline peaks, when energy becomes electric and almost magical… it's a privilege, a gift. To connect with hundreds or thousands of people through music, to see faces light up and bodies move, it's indescribable. It's something I experience with all my being». Lamiss draws inspiration from electronic icons like David Guetta, Tiësto, Solomun, Artbat, and Anyma, but her Moroccan roots are ever-present. «Traditional Moroccan music, like Gnawa rhythms and Andalusian melodies, are a foundational source of inspiration». She dreams of collaborating with Gnawa musicians and even has a specific wish: «I'd love to work with Saad Lamjarred. He brings such a beautiful energy, he'd be an inspiring partner to fuse our worlds». A Message to Young Dreamers: Be True to Yourself Behind the artist is a woman of culture, spirituality, and wanderlust. «Music is my sanctuary, but I also love writing, discovering new places, and meeting kindred spirits. My music reflects my journey. I'm a Moroccan woman, a violinist, and a DJ—and all of that blends naturally. The Moroccan, Andalusian, and sometimes Indian sounds are a tribute to my roots and my travels». She holds dear the memory of her late father, a man of authority with a poet's soul. «I want to honor him here. I think of him often through my music». Her mother remains her biggest supporter. But it was her younger sister who played a pivotal role at the start. «Thanks to her, I carry the name 'Lamiss' as my stage name. She believed in me from the very beginning, took my first photos as a violinist… she's been there at every step». In addition to her music, Lamiss has led the Moroccan Association for the Development of Young Talents in Mohammedia for over 15 years. She also manages a cultural events agency, staying deeply connected to the scene and supporting the next generation of artists, those who, like her, started with a dream. And to those young women following her path, she offers this advice: «Believe in yourself, even when no one else does at first. Stay true to your identity, that's your strength and what will set you apart. Work hard, train persistently, and be patient. The path of music isn't always easy, but passion and self-confidence open every door».
