Casablanca – Before stepping into the music spotlight, Moroccan chaabi-raï star Zina Daoudia first made her mark on the football pitch before eventually dedicating herself fully to music.
Speaking to Billboard Arabia on the sidelines of her Timitar Festival performance in Agadir, the Moroccan icon opened up about having to choose between football and music once the two paths began to overlap.
Football, music, and everything in between
Daoudia started out as a football player for the Moroccan national team before creating her own women’s football team, where she served as its delegated president.
When she began her music career, however, she found it difficult to balance her passion for football with her growing devotion to chaabi and raï. After three years, she decided to dedicate herself entirely to music.
Over the years, that decision led her to become one of the most prominent names in Morocco’s popular music scene.
Daoudia has built her identity across both chaabi and raï, and she explained that even her stage name reflects this combination. The first part, “Chaba Zina,” reflects her identity as a raï artist.
The second part, “Daoudia,” is more closely linked to her chaabi side. Originally from the Mzab region, she explained that her name could have been “Mzabiya,” referring to her origins. Her production company eventually chose “Daoudia” instead.
What success means to her
For Daoudia, success comes down to more than talent. She attributed hers to God’s love, the audience’s love and acceptance, as well as hard work.
She also stressed the importance of understanding what audiences want. As generations change and musical styles continue to evolve, she believes artists need to adapt and create music that speaks to each moment.
That ability to move between styles has become one of Daoudia’s defining strengths.
Crossing musical boundaries
Throughout her career, songs such as “Sayidati,” “Waer Waer,” “La La La Ya Amal,” and “Milyar” have allowed her to cross the lines between chaabi and raï while building a sound and identity that remain distinctly her own.
From the football pitch to the biggest stages, Daoudia’s journey has taken her in an unexpected direction, with music eventually becoming her greatest passion.
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