“When I first started my cooperation with Freemuse.org, I realized how important it was professionally for musicians like me. I felt that I was not alone when it came to rampant threats of censorship. Mary Corp's suggestion, as such, for me to become one the ambassadors of Freemuse filled me with delight and appreciation. To me, Freemuse is a friend to all musicians.”

“I am proud to accept the invitation to serve as an Ambassador for Freemuse, the World Forum on Music and Censorship. Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, Freemuse advocates freedom of expression for musicians and composers worldwide to make sure that music continues to be a voice for a better world.”

Roger Lucey: “In many ways Freemuse came into my life at a time when I was about to give up on music completely. The trauma of having my voice silenced, especially in the covert way that it was done made it very difficult for me to come back and do the thing that I loved more than any other. (Freemuse director) Marie Korpe and (Freemuse programme officer) Ole Reitov initiated a process that enabled me to understand the pain and anger that came from that experience and to meet my nemesis, Paul Erasmus. I am now able to write and play with a new freedom where the past is in its place and future is an open road.”

“When Marie Korpe invited me to be an ambassador for Freemuse, it was the kind of recognition that ten years ago I could only have dreamed of. But it is not only me that Freemuse have helped in the crisis that so often befalls musicians who speak their minds; Look at the support and strength they have given to Ferhat Tunç, Marcel Khalife and so many others whose voices the authorities were so eager to silence. Music censorship is an evil that must me relegated to the dark past,” stated Roger Lucey.

The Lebanese composer, oud virtuoso and singer Marcel Khalife was granted the Medal of Intellectual Achievement by Morocco's King Mohammed on 30 July 2008 in a ceremony at the Palace in the spiritual city of Fez in central Morocco. The medal is considered the highest and most prestigious official awards in Morocco.
Khalife has long enjoyed an immense popularity in Morocco and North Africa as a whole where his concerts usually draw audiences in the tens of thousands and where his songs has become part of their folk culture and familiar to Moroccans across generations.
“The Moroccan audience deals with music and songs as though they are the ones that create, sing and perform them. I very much enjoy this intellectual and cultural diversity here in Morocco, from [varied] beats and tunes to colors and culture. This beautiful intertwining represents a unique example of the relationship with culture. I had hoped one day I would compose [a piece of music] about this rich Moroccan heritage and I hope I will be able to do so soon,” Khalife added.