MUSIC
The Moroccan Rappers Proving Darija Is a Global Language of Hip-Hop
Moroccan music was slept on for too long because of its unique Arabic dialect Darija, but once it crossed borders, it became an international force to be reckoned with.
Icons of the Moroccan rap scene, like Dizzy DROS, have been making music for over a decade, building a loyal fanbase and evolving alongside their country by frequently addressing wide-ranging societal issues.
from Dizzy DROS "M3A L3ECHRANE" music video/YouTube
North Africa has a wealth of vernaculars and differences, but there’s one thing most North Africans can agree on: Moroccan Arabic is the hardest dialect in the region. Nothing is as complex and hard to pronounce as Darija, a blend of Classical Arabic, Amazigh, French, and Spanish.
Even though most North African rap is in Arabic, there’s a glaring language barrier between the Maghreb, the West, and the Mashriq, the East. Moroccans typically switch to other dialects when they’re in a mixed Arab gathering.
As a result, we have been missing out on Morocco’s thriving rap scene for too long. Recently, however, Maghrebi rap has sparked interest in the rest of the region and beyond.
This year, Small X became the first North African artist to be signed to Nas’s Mass Appeal label, which also collaborated with rapper 7Ari and acclaimed producer/DJ Ramoon on their album 101.
OkayAfrica interviewed Stormy, who shared his frustration about other Arabic speakers’ disinterest in understanding the Moroccan dialect. Rather than letting that be an obstacle, it motivates him to create music that transcends lyrics and resonates with a global audience on a deeper level.
The Moroccan rap scene is well-established and more prominent than most other scenes in the Arab World, and several artists have reached non-Moroccan listeners, intriguing enough to spark interest in the dialect and the places they rap about.
Here’s an introduction to some of the country’s biggest rappers. This list is by no means exhaustive, and it does not feature rappers that are beloved and successful in Morocco, but might not speak to an international audience yet.
Small X and Saib
Small X has been in the game for longer than most of his peers. He first made waves as part of the rap duo Shayfeen, where his lyrics and catchy flows earned him a loyal fan base across North Africa and beyond. In 2021, they decided to pursue solo careers. For his debut at Mass Appeal, he teamed up with Moroccan lo-fi legend Saib for their joint EP NAFIDA. "Albi," the EP’s lead single, uses atmospheric synths and a simple drum beat to underpin Small X's observations about the pressure social media puts on young people.
Dizzy DROS
Another veteran rapper, Casablanca’s Dizzy DROS, stepped onto the scene as an independent artist in 2011. “M3a L3echrane,” an exceptional track about societal gaps, press freedom, and experiences of daily life in Morocco, which ring particularly true in light of the recent Gen Z 212 protests, trended at #5 worldwide in 2023, asserting that DROS is here to build a legacy and evolve alongside the country he represents in his music.
Stormy
Stormy, often described as “Morocco’s king of rap,” listened to Dizzy Droz extensively when he worked on his celebrated debut album Iceberg, a thoughtful lyrical project for those who understand his languages and an invitation to dance for those who can’t. While the rapper himself is a calm and introspective person, many of his tracks are characterized by energy-packed, fast-paced beats that manage to transcend the language barrier that many have with Darija.
Khtek
Houda Abouz chose her artist name Khtek, which means "your sister" in Darija, to reclaim and subvert the term after it was used as an insult by men. The rapper rose to fame because her lyrics often criticize societal double standards against women and reflect the complexities of daily Moroccan life. On “Ftila,” which translates to “wick,” Khtek addresses the sexual harassment women endure in Morocco’s male-dominated society over the simple, repetitive melody of a string instrument that grounds the song in a Moroccan sonic context.
Draganov
Moroccan rap icon Draganov is known for his experimental, cross-genre music and the humor he infuses his art with. After beginning his career in the group The Kings 48, he went solo and gained significant recognition for "3dabi." The title translates to “my suffering” and marked a point in his career where he would embrace a more introspective style that confronts vulnerable subject matters. The track was featured in the French Netflix series Young Millionaires.
El Grande Toto
El Grande Toto is the current leader of Morocco’s hip-hop scene and North African rap. Starting in the group Zawa City, he eventually went solo and became the most-streamed Arab artist. In 2022, his collaboration with Nigerian singer CKay on "Love Nwantiti" was certified diamond in France, making him the first Moroccan artist to achieve this with a Darija performance. “Diplomatico” is a fan favorite from his latest album Salgoat; the title is a play on words, combining "salgot," a Darija term meaning "scum" or "debauched," with "GOAT," the acronym for "Greatest Of All Time." It refers to a public feud with Abdelilah Benkirane, a former Moroccan Prime Minister who used the term "salgot" to criticize El Grande Toto.
