Songs for the Atlas Lions of Morocco

As they support their national football team, what does young Moroccans are listening to at home and in the diaspora right now.

Image by PxFuel, CC Licensed.

Despite high hopes, Morocco’s Atlas Lions crashed out of the 2013 African Cup of Nations, but that didn’t prevent young Moroccans from bumping and grooving to radio pop. It also gives a sense what young Moroccans are listening to at home and in the diaspora right now.

First up is the internationally renowned and veteran Algerian crooner, Khaled, known for hits like “Aicha” and “Didi.” In late 2012, Khaled released a new album with a new single, “Hiya Hiya,” which features American rapper, Pit Bull.

Then’s there’s Rihanna’s “Diamonds.” We sure hoped our national team would “shine bright like a diamond” at this year’s Afcon tournament. Rihanna’s melancholic song reflects our dashed hopes of football glory. Alas, maybe at next year’s World Cup we’ll be more successful.

Tombée pour elle” (English: Fell for her), is an R&B song by Booba, a Half Senegalese and half French artist who has been rapping since the mid-1990s.

Yes, Britney Spears & Will.i.am’s “Scream and Shout.” Despite her troubles, Moroccan music fans have not given up on Britney Spears. Teaming up with Will.I.Am (from the Black Eyed Peas), this Gangnam Style-like hit is ruling Morocco’s airwaves and club scene.

Moroccan rap artist, Fnaire and Soprano hail from the city of Marrakessh. Together they perform what they coin as “traditional rap”. They mix traditional music (like Chaabi music) with hip hop, and infusing it with lyrics about social and political issues that resonate among Moroccan youth.

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