Nearly 25 years after their debut, H-Kayne returns to the stage, reigniting the spirit of Moroccan hip-hop.
Fez– After a quiet return in 2024, Morocco’s iconic rap group H-Kayne is officially back, and this time, it’s loud, proud, and live.
The trio is set to perform two major concerts this July, marking a full-circle moment nearly 25 years after they first exploded onto the scene.
Their first stop is definitely going to be Meknes, their hometown, where it all began.
On July 26, they’ll take over the legendary El Hedim Square as part of the Aïssaoua International Festival. It’s more than a concert, it’s a reunion with the city that shaped them and the fans who grew up on their sound.
Four days later, on July 30, they’ll perform at Rabat’s Bouregreg stage during the Oudayas Summer Festival, promising another night of high energy, strong emotions, and pure nostalgia.
H-Kayne isn’t just a group that makes music, they’re a cultural force. Known for blending Moroccan heritage with hip-hop culture, their style is both grounded and global.
They’ve managed to craft a sound that’s rooted in the rhythms of Meknes but resonates far beyond the city walls. Their music brings together groove, street poetry, and oriental flair in a way that feels uniquely theirs.
Their story goes back to 1998, when four young men from Meknes, now three, Othman Benhami, Azzedine Ter-Hoor, and Hatim HB2, formed a group that would later define Moroccan rap.
Their real breakthrough came in 2003 after winning the Boulevard des Jeunes Musiciens. From there, their journey only gained momentum. Albums like “Hdaw Dogs Jaw” (1999) and “1 Son de Bled’Art” (2003) laid the foundation, but “H-K 1426” (2005) changed the game.
It became the first Moroccan rap album to be released under a label and distributed in France, a milestone that elevated the entire genre.
Over the years, they’ve built an international reputation, performing across Europe and the Arab world, from Paris and Brussels to Cairo, Dubai, and Amman.
And while their music evolved, one thing remained constant: their commitment to staying connected to their roots.
But H-Kayne’s impact doesn’t stop at music. The group has always used their platform to engage with the real world. Named UNDP Goodwill Ambassadors, they’ve championed causes tied to Moroccan youth, social change, and community empowerment.
In 2013, their influence was formally recognized when King Mohammed VI awarded them the National Reward Medal – Officer grade – an honor rarely given to artists in the hip-hop space.
Their return to the stage this summer isn’t just about performing old hits. It’s a reminder of what H-Kayne has always represented: resilience, evolution, and the power of art to bridge generations.
Meknes and Rabat will be witnessing a legacy reawakened.
Read also: Meknes Hosts 2025 Aissawa Festival Celebrating Moroccan Sufi Heritage