This Moroccan artist is a force of creativity, blending bold ideas with a rebellious spirit to reshape how we connect with art and culture.
Marrakech – Meeting artist El Mehdi wasn’t exactly on my to-do list, but then again, neither was discovering a whole new world of sound and art — until I found myself prepping his interview questions, thanks to a loyal Instagram follower of MWN Lifestyle.
With a mix of Moroccan roots, global influences, and a Gen Z spirit that could start a revolution, El Mehdi’s artistic journey isn’t just about music — it’s a statement.
El Mehdi is a Moroccan artist with an eclectic taste and an unapologetic voice. He recently released his first track, “El Kass Hlou.”
The song is a modern reinterpretation of a classic, blending traditional Moroccan sounds with house beats and global influences.
But this isn’t just any rendition — El Mehdi’s version carries with it a deeper story of reclaiming history and celebrating cultural identity.
“Like many, I grew up associating ‘El Kass Hlou’ with Haja El Hamdaouia, believing her rendition was the original. But recently, I discovered that it was actually by Houcine Slaoui,” El Mehdi told me, in an official interview with MWN Lifestyle.
“When I dug deeper into his version and the original lyrics (which are completely different), I realized that the ‘sweet glass’ he referred to wasn’t about atay at all. It was such a bold revelation that I wanted to honor Houcine’s story, a narrative that almost feels like it had been censored in a way.”
El Mehdi’s sound is a unique blend of influences. He’s equally at home with Chaabi, Amazigh, Arabic music, as he is with American pop, French music, and even Bollywood.
“I overthink many things in life, but not this one — it’s intuitive,” he shared when explaining how he fuses different styles.
“These influences shaped my ear and taste. Even today, my playlist spans from Flenn to Dalida, Mohamed Rouicha, and Kylie Minogue.”
The creation of “El Kass Hlou” marks an important milestone in El Mehdi’s artistic journey, one that blends his Moroccan roots with global sounds.
“I think Moroccan culture is already shining more brightly on the global stage than ever before. I’d say my goal is to share my personal perspective on it and push boundaries even further,” El Mehdi reflected.
But El Mehdi’s path to music wasn’t always clear. He grew up immersed in art, from sketching Disney scenes to painting, sculpting, photography, dance, and theater.
Yet, music always felt like his secret desire. “For as long as I can remember, art has always been a core part of who I am. As a kid, I was captivated by sketching Disney scenes, and I later explored painting, sculpting, photography, dance and theater. But music was always my secret aspiration,” he shared.
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Music was always El Mehdi’s quiet passion, a creative spark he nurtured behind the scenes.
From writing songs and experimenting on GarageBand to re-editing pop music videos just for fun, it was a secret world he kept to himself.
That all changed the day he stepped into a friend’s home studio. Standing in front of the mic for the first time was nothing short of transformative — a moment of self-discovery that unveiled a part of him he hadn’t fully explored.
“It really feels like mine, like El Mehdi,” he explained.
El Mehdi’s sound resonates with the spirit of his generation: late-night drives, freedom, and rebellion.
“I believe our generation is increasingly being pushed toward embracing radical authenticity. With so much music out there and the ease of sharing it, the field has become oversaturated,” he revealed.
“It feels like everything has already been seen and done. I think the only way to really stand out is to be unapologetically yourself, because that’s not something that can be copied or reproduced. We’ve reached a new level of consciousness and people are more aware than ever before. It’s about leaning into your truth and trusting that it will resonate.”
I love asking about wildest dreams – And yes, I did it with El Mehdi as well.
If he could collaborate with any artist, past or present, El Mehdi knows exactly who he would choose.
“Without a doubt, early 2000s Shakira. She was the embodiment of celebrating every facet of her identity and cultures,” he shared.
“As a kid, I was mesmerized by ‘Ojos Así.’ She sang in Spanish, English and Arabic with a unique vocal style, danced Baladi, added a rock twist with her electric guitar, and somehow kept it all rooted in pop. It was a bold, honest and inspiring fusion ahead of its time.
As for where his sound fits in the grand scheme of things, El Mehdi sees his music as a blend of both past and future influences.
“I’d say my sound blends the inspiration of the past with the aspirations of the future. I see my work as both nostalgic and hopeful — capturing the essence of what felt like simpler times while embracing the possibilities of today and tomorrow,” he emphasized.
“In 2025, we’re in a unique position to make conscious choices, celebrate our cultural roots and reimagine them in a more inclusive and forward-thinking way. I mean, ultimately the goal is to throw a big party everyone’s invited to.”
When asked what he would be doing if he weren’t creating music, El Mehdi’s answer is simple: “I wouldn’t do anything else but music right now.”
However, he added that “if I had no choice, visual art is a significant part of my process. So I guess I’d still be directing, painting, dancing, or sculpting. And yes, I’d aim to make the world dance in some way. It’s all about creating moments of connection, regardless of the medium.”
El Mehdi is an artist who blends the past with the future, defying expectations, and creating music that resonates with authenticity.
“El Kass Hlou” is just the beginning of what’s sure to be an exciting journey ahead.
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