Spotify: The Jukebox That Made Morocco Dance This Year

Thrilling, intense, daring, and moving: the musical creations that marked 2024 were not just albums but events. Between reinventions, identity statements, and sonic explorations, these projects shook both the charts and our emotions.

The top projects most listened to by Spotify users in Morocco are 100% Moroccan. Some may label this as chauvinism.

Others will say that the ranking is “skewed” by the “pushed recommendations” by Spotify… So be it! And even if it displeases some, Moroccan-made rap has massively asserted itself in recent years. It has become the most popular musical style, specifically the genre with the highest number of streams.

Contrary to what the buzz around their lyrics might suggest, ElGrande Toto, Stormy, Dada, among others, create songs and music videos. In the highest sense of the term: dense works made coherent by various thematic and aesthetic approaches that significantly enrich the art of rap, even considerably.

Our artists are among the few in their sphere who openly indulge in this art described as “moribund since the advent of vocoders and autotune that distort voices.” For some, “their albums may not follow each other closely in their entirety, even though their tunes may sometimes sound interchangeable.” Let’s meet them without delay!

ElGrande Toto, an essential figure in Moroccan rapMoroccan rap scene

2024 brought forth significant new releases, from unexpected comebacks to joyful unclassifiable eccentricities spanning distorted ambient rap to futuristic and transhumanist urban pop.

Once again, ElGrande Toto stood out with two major and profoundly personal projects: “27” and “Caméléon.” In the former, he delves into a gripping introspection marked by trials such as the fire at his family home. Fueled by iconic tracks like “Blue Love,” this album oscillates between darkness and hope, revealing remarkable resilience.

With “Caméléon,” released in 2023, the artist confirms his ability to navigate between different styles while remaining true to his essence. From catchy rhythms like “Halla Halla” to more introspective tracks like “Mghayer,” he once again demonstrates his musical versatility.

Continuously well-listened to, the album showcases a longevity that surpasses its initial release. ElGrande Toto also made a mark at the first edition of the Billboard Arabia Music Awards in Riyadh, winning three major accolades: Best Hip-Hop Artist, Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, and Best Hip-Hop Song for “Blue Love” and “Dalali.” This recognition solidifies his influence far beyond Moroccan borders.

In the realm of the most listened-to artists, while ElGrande Toto maintains his position, other artists also captivate, such as Stormy. “Hip-hop has greatly evolved in Morocco. It blends with Raï and other music genres,” remarks one of my acquaintances. “It’s a genre that evolves.

We’re witnessing a sort of musical hybridization, with urban sounds and artists that we can’t quite categorize.” What appeals to Moroccans so much? “It’s the attachment to the lyrics, to new sounds, and to new artists,” she continues.

In a similar vein, Stormy also makes waves with “Iceberg.” Rooted in his origins and open to the world, he depicts the story of a generation torn between hope and reality. Tracks like “Popo” (18,457,448 streams), “Maradona” (11,179,941), and “Nikey” (7,063,923) resonate as anthems to ambition and pride in being Moroccan.

Furthermore, it must be noted that this year’s releases are characterized by a strong sense of “Ego trip,” yet they remain as vibrant as ever.

The kings of flow: Moroccan rap conquers Spotify

In a distinctive register, 7liwa asserts himself with his album Champion, confirming his status as a rapper who has influenced several generations. This project, of rare intensity, reveals an artist with an unmatched flow and sharp pen, navigating between introspection and a zest for life.

A significant evolution for someone who had already captured attention with tracks like “Ohlala” and “Da7k T9ada.” The standout tracks “Douwi Douwi” (5,537,647 streams), “Kakashi” (2,993,149), “No Love” (1,183,232), and “Hallelujah” (5,704,942) attest to his position as an iconic figure in Moroccan rap. 7liwa offers a refreshing sound where sincere lyrics, tinged with loneliness and modesty, imbued with an inevitable melancholy, intertwine.

The album effortlessly oscillates between rap salvos, trap swerves, and trillwave mists, reflecting a rich and masterful musical exploration. A dense, sometimes intense project, hinting at another side of 7liwa, always ready to surprise and salute his audience.

With 2×1, Lferda delivers a raw and authentic project, a true immersion into a world where the street, love, and resilience intertwine. A master of words and dark atmospheres, he speaks directly to the Moroccan youth, propelled by meticulous and impactful production.

The tracks “San Siro” (4,221,581 streams), “Lewandoski” (1,943,357), and “Money Cash” (997,148) perfectly convey this intensity: misty, intense tracks laced with groove, with a strong trap fervor. The album continues the trend of icy and dark songs, while maintaining elements that make heads nod. A work where the rapper’s daily life bursts forth with striking brutality, engaging us as witnesses from the very first listen.

L’Morphine, Maturity with Yakine

On a completely different terrain, L’Morphine perpetuates its legacy with Yakine. A true master of Moroccan lyrical rap, he continues to inspire the underground scene with tracks that are both profound and impactful. This introspective and thoughtful album presents itself as an artistic unveiling that reveals his full maturity.

Among the standout tracks, “We9tna” (4,190,322 streams), “Gourou” (2,060,417), and “Rooftop” (1,909,454) leave a lasting impression. These are misty, intense tracks, infused with groove and a touch of trap fervor, translating into a rich and masterful sonic palette. Yakine’s album unveils a dense universe where darkness meets glimpses of hope.

L’Morphine delves into the depths of his experiences, offering a rap charged with raw emotions and striking authenticity. His incisive and poetic lyrics depict a daily life steeped in solitude, struggles, and disillusionment, while also hinting at moments of respite and light.

The musical production alternates between dark atmospheres and vibrant rhythms. Trap sounds dominate, embellished with lyrical touches and subtle grooves. L’Morphine successfully blends introspective and melancholic aesthetics with captivating tempos, demonstrating his ability to capture the essence of the street and the realities he portrays.

With Yakine, L’Morphine doesn’t just deliver an album; he signs a true musical manifesto, where each track stands as a confession, an open window to a world often harsh but always transcended by his art.

On the other hand, Dystinct takes an international approach with Layali. Blending raï, afrobeat, and pop, his album conquers global stages with hits like “Tek Tek” (82,509,995 streams), “Business” feat. “Naza” (88,935,806), and “La” (55,539,846). Despite its release in 2023, the album continues to be widely listened to, demonstrating its enduring success. Additionally, Dystinct was crowned Best Maghreb song artist at the Billboard Arabia Music Awards.

The energy doesn’t stop there. Dada, hailing from Agadir, surprises with M.I.M (“Made in Morocco”), a project that brilliantly fuses Amazigh sounds with contemporary beats. This combination manages to appeal to both purists and the general public.

The standout tracks “3adi Jidan” (6,320,961 streams), “M.I.M” (2,342,689), and “BE” (2,367,736) showcase the power and diversity of this album. Yet, there’s nothing artificial or damp in these tracks; they rely on warm melodies that contrast with the often raw ambiance of contemporary rap.

Dada delivers a resolutely trash, almost spectral rap journey. A striking contrast emerges between the sensations felt while listening – like an obvious escape for those who wish to detach from reality – and the profound intention that drives the rapper to compose.

In a completely different vein, Morad, a voice from the European scene, impresses with Reinsertado. Inspired by his neighborhood of La Florida in Barcelona, he delivers striking tracks like “Se Gri-ta” and “Tiempo de Nada.” Released in 2023, the album continues to resonate strongly, a testament to its lasting impact.

Inkonnu Ends on a High Note with Arabi

Finally, Inkonnu concludes this selection with ‘Arabi,’ an album where the fusion of genres truly comes to life. Blending traditional Moroccan music with modern rap, it stands out with notable tracks like ‘7ali ya 7ali’ (10,746,199 streams) and ‘Zahri’ (10,721,324).

Released in 2021, this album remains an essential reference for his fans, who continue to acclaim it. Inkonnu rides on a laid-back beat, with a gaze that is both hostile and weary, while maintaining the raw energy of his flow and the omnipresent rap infusion in each of his tracks.

Inkonnu’s music resonates like a funeral march, blending violent memories distilled by autotune, before giving way to a bass drum that carries you away with a crash. A gripping journey where each note seems to tell a story of struggle.

2024 has been a year of daring and reinvention. These ten projects show that the Moroccan music scene and its iconic figures have pushed boundaries, exploring new paths while remaining true to their roots. A year that will be remembered, to be listened to without moderation.

Billboard Arabia Music Awards: Moroccan Recognition

The Billboard Arabia Music Awards, held this year in Riyadh, also honored other Moroccan talents. Among them, Manal Benchlikha was crowned the best artist in Maghreb song, Mehdi Mozayine awarded as the best composer, Tarik Lahjaily recognized as the best producer/arranger, and the rapper Khtek honored as the best Arab hip-hop artist.

This further evidence showcases the vitality and diversity of the Moroccan music scene, which continues to shine beyond borders, reaffirming the richness of Moroccan music.

To conclude, it’s worth noting that the Billboard Arabia Music Awards are the first ceremony of its kind in the Arab world. The awards are entirely based on listeners’ opinions and data from streaming platforms such as Spotify, Anghami, YouTube, and many others.