"Shaped by Roots, Driven by Goals: Walid Benmbarek"

Text and photography: Will Falize

Between Goals, Roots and Inspiration

When I recently watched Mocro Maffia with young people, for whom I work as a coach, with the intention of showing them how tempting but destructive the path of crime can be, I became fascinated by actor Walid Benmbarek. What drives someone to take on the role of villain Adil KO? It had to be a conscious choice. During my search for his background, I discovered The Life Trail , a program that he developed together with his good friend Nasrdin Dchar. In this program, they go on an adventurous journey through Switzerland with eight young people, who experience personal challenges, to challenge themselves and grow. Long story short: this man is an inspiration. That is why I wanted him in front of the camera for Voxpop, because I also want to share someone who inspires me with my readers.

“I know exactly what I want — and especially what I don't want.”

The Power of Goals and Simplicity

Walid is someone who shapes his life by setting goals. "Not because I necessarily have to achieve them, but because they give me focus and consistency," he says. These goals are not a destination, but anchors that give him something to hold on to. He emphasizes how he has gradually become stronger in his shoes. "I know exactly what I want — and especially what I don't want."

His youth, partly spent in Tunisia, taught him the value of simplicity. From the age of five to eleven, he grew up in an environment where luxury was not a given. "There you learn to be happy with little." When I came to the Netherlands afterwards, I saw the contrast. That taught me that happiness does not lie in luxury. "It lies in simplicity, being together, sharing." These lessons from his youth are the building blocks for his resilience and perseverance.

In addition to these life lessons, faith plays an important role in Walid's life. "Faith" is a personal journey, a process in which you continue to develop yourself. It is not a fixed path, but something that helps you to become a better version of yourself." His faith not only gives him direction, but also inner peace and resilience. "It helps me to reflect on who I am and how I stand in life."

His roots are essential in this. "My parents sent me to Tunisia to learn the culture, language and values." In retrospect, I am so grateful for that. It has enriched me, spiritually and personally. "I feel at home in Morocco and Tunisia, just as much as in the Netherlands." Yet he notices that the Netherlands feels less like 'home' in recent years. "That is confronting, but it also shows how important your roots are."

"We wanted to inspire young people, help them become a better version of themselves. That makes me proud."

Acting as a Mirror of Reality

Walid is more than just an actor. He is an entrepreneur, someone who is always looking for new challenges. "Whether it's acting, running a business or developing a program like The Life Trail — I always want to create, to contribute." He is very proud of The Life Trail . "We wanted to inspire young people, to help them become a better version of themselves. That makes me proud."

His role in Mocro Maffia often raises questions. "People often ask if such a role glorifies crime." That is absolutely not the case. We show the harsh reality: it never ends well. "Death or prison, that is the outcome." For Walid, acting is about telling stories that touch and confront. "The great thing about acting is that you can immerse yourself in characters who are far removed from your own life. " That forces you to develop empathy and broaden your perspective."

His most memorable role so far? "The film Brothers" remains special to me. Shot in Jordan, with an intense story that touched me deeply. "I was even nominated for Best Actor in 2018, something I am still proud of." In Brothers, Walid discovered the power of stories that not only entertain, but also confront social themes.

“The great thing about acting is that you can immerse yourself in characters that are far removed from your own life.”

"Being the best version of myself also makes me a better father, partner, friend. That's what it's all about."

View to the Future

And what else can we expect from him? "The series Elixer will be released in March, in which I play a completely different role: that of a lawyer. I am also working on the development of a new series, something I am very enthusiastic about. "I also want to do more in the action and thriller genre, because there is still a lot of untapped potential in the Dutch film and television world." Walid's ambition extends beyond just acting; he wants to create stories that matter, that make people think.

What does he want to leave behind? "I want to be remembered as someone who worked hard, who cared about the people around him. Someone who shared, helped, inspired. I believe in being together, but that starts with yourself. Being the best version of yourself also makes me a better father, partner, friend. That's what it's all about."

His bucket list? "A trip to Mecca is at the top." I also want to travel the world with my family and open my own gym. Not only focused on the body, but also on mental strength, especially for young people." For Walid, it's all about growth, both physically and mentally, and he wants to pass that on to the next generation.

“Life is a journey, not a destination.”

A Life Lesson to End With

Walid concludes with a powerful message: “Life is a journey, not a destination.” “That realization makes everything more valuable.” In that simplicity lies a deep wisdom that he not only lives, but also passes on.

And so it is. A conversation that inspires, challenges and makes you think — exactly what Voxpop stands for.

The End.