Marrakech – Between Boston streets and Rabat rhythms, ILYAH is crafting a sound that refuses to fit neatly into any single category. Known on Instagram as “The Bad Boy,” the rising artist explained that, “The ‘Bad Boy’ thing started as a joke between my old group members from my boyband Overnight.”
“It came from my energy on stage and how I like to push limits in style, sound, and vibe. It’s not about being a troublemaker, it’s more about breaking rules in creativity. I’m respectful and grounded, but yeah, there’s definitely a little bad boy spirit in me when it comes to art and passion.”
Growing up Moroccan-American, ILYAH absorbed two worlds at once.
“It shaped everything. Growing up between Rabat and Boston, I always had two worlds in my ears, Arabic melodies and American R&B. Morocco gave me soul, color, and rhythm,” he told MWN.
America gave me ambition, discipline, and a global vision. Mixing both made me realize that identity isn’t one box, it’s a fusion, just like my music,” he reflects.
Music has always been in his veins, but the moment he knew he wanted to go professional was rooted in real-world experience.
“Honestly, I’ve been singing since I could talk. But the defining moment was when I was part of a boyband called Overnight. That’s where I learned what it really takes; studio sessions, choreography, pressure. When the group ended, I knew I had to keep going solo. That’s when ILYAH was born.”
His hit single “YA DELLALI” bridges Morocco and the world effortlessly. “YA DELLALI came from a conversation I had with Don Bigg on Instagram where I told him I had this track that fused Moroccan sounds with dancehall and American pop,” he shared.
He took a risk and got out of his comfort zone to make this track a reality and I think a lot of people ended up loving the final result. The song is definitely a defining moment in my career.”
The creative process for ILYAH is all about the vibe.
“It depends on the moment, but usually, I start from vibe. I close my eyes, feel the beat, and let melodies come before words,” he highlighted.
“Once I find a melody that hits the soul, the lyrics follow naturally. As for rituals, definitely late nights, moody lighting and some redbulls. I also take random night drives to clear my head and catch new ideas.”
Collaboration for him is instinctual rather than calculated. “It’s always about chemistry. I have to feel the person’s energy before the song even starts. I don’t chase viral moments, I chase real moments. If the connection feels right, the sound will follow naturally, and the audience will feel it.”
His recent work with Rym exemplifies this approach, “Working with Rym was amazing. She’s super talented and brings that feminine energy that balances my style perfectly. We connected instantly, both Moroccan, both proud of our roots, but aiming global. The vibe in the studio was pure magic.”
Fashion and visuals are another canvas for ILYAH’s creativity. “I love mixing modern streetwear with Moroccan touches. In my next visuals, you’ll probably see jalaba-inspired cuts or Berber jewelry mixed with high-fashion pieces. It’s about showing where I come from but in a way that feels fresh and international,” he explains.
Even his culinary choices fuel his art. “Honestly, nothing hits like tajine (btata o zitoun), it’s that energy food! I remember having it in Marrakech before shooting YA DELLALI, and I swear the spices just woke me up creatively. Moroccan food is soul food, it gives you that warmth that translates into the music.”
Asked to define himself in Darija in one word, he chose one of simplicity with confidence, “‘Safi.’ Because it means ‘enough,’ but in a confident way, like ‘that’s it, that’s me’. I give my all in what I do, no half-steps. When I walk in the room or drop a track, safi, the vibe speaks for itself.”
