Who would have thought ten years ago that rappers would play such an important role in shaping Moroccan society today?
People said rap was alien to Moroccan culture and it would disappear as quickly as it came.
But the rules of the games have changed. Their lyrics in Darija, Moroccan Arabic, are strong and straight to the point and have made these rappers the voice of the youth.
After the Arab Spring, the Moroccan government was one of the first to understand their power… and use it. They tried to get these rappers to join the system. Tried to get them to perform in festivals that they sponsored. And some rappers did. They were seduced by power and money. They sold out for fame.
Lmoutchou is one of the most creative rappers of his generation.
But, one is still standing. Proud and talented, he refuses to be part of the game.
With over tens of million views on YouTube and concerts across Africa and Europe, Younes Taleb aka Mobydick alias Lmoutchou is one of the most creative rappers of his generation. He took some time out whilst recording his new mixtape for a one-off interview.
He talks about why he’s doing it on his own, why those in power don’t want people to believe in themselves, and finally why he doesn’t ‘give a fuck’.
So here’s the man behind the mic!