Muslim (rapper)

Muslim
Background information
Birth name	Mohamed Mezouri
Also known as	Muslim
Born	1981 Tangier
Genres	Rap

Mohamed Al-Hadi Al-Mazouri (born December 10, 1981, Tangier), also known by the stage name Muslim, is a Moroccan rapper. He is widely recognized as a key figure in Maghreb rap and is considered one of the most popular and prolific Moroccan rappers of his generation. He has also been described as one of the most influential Arab rappers.

Career

Muslim began rapping with his friends around the ages of 16 or 17. In 1998, he formed the rap group Zanka Flow alongside rapper Larbi. Together, they released a debut album in 2001 that would go on to become one of the highlights of Moroccan rap. The group disbanded in 2006. He would later go on to form a collective of former rappers called Kachela Records.

In 2010, Muslim released his first album entitled Rahman, which sought to explore the artistic community, especially in the Maghreb rap genre.

Muslim performed at Mawazine Festival in 2012 and in 2014.

In 2017, Muslim was named best Moroccan rapper by the Ministry of Culture. In 2021, he received a nomination for Best Male Artist in North Africa at the All Africa Music Awards. He was among five Moroccan singers, including Hamza El Fadly, L7OR, Dizzy Dros, and Safwan Rahman, competing for the title.

In 2018, amidst a Moroccan product boycott, Muslim faced criticism for dismissing the boycott of items like mineral water and milk, stating he was "too old for such actions". This drew backlash from followers who found it contradictory to the themes in his songs and perceived it as condescension toward fans and critics.

Described as an "idol of the masses," Muslim's music has also seen significant success outside of Morocco, in Europe and the Arab world. He has held multiple performances throughout Spain, including shows in Madrid, Málaga, Ceuta, and at the Razzmatazz in Barcelona.

Regarding his pseudonym, he has stated that "I'm often asked about the origin of my pseudonym, and I still don't know how to explain it".

Style

Muslim's rap style is defined by its lyricism and old school flow, falling under the category of socially conscious or social rap. He draws most of his inspiration from the American rap of the 90s, such as the music of Tupac Shakur. His verses convey positive messages while addressing and condemning prevalent issues in Moroccan society, such as emigration and delinquency forced by misery, the challenges faced by struggling single mothers, government mismanagement, the need for improved education and healthcare systems, corruption, lack of opportunity, and youth unemployment. Muslim advocates against drug use and radicalization. He refrains from using profanity in his music.

Through his music, Muslim aims to break through collective indifference and inspire listeners to transform their troubled society. His music videos videos portray urban spaces as menacing and highlight the need for personal responsibility and intervention to reclaim them. This pedagogical approach connects neoliberal ideologies with state agendas for urban "renewal." In an interview with the All Africa, he defines the message of his album Al Rissala (The Message) as a call "to revolt against anything negative in our lives or anything that can have negative psychological effects."

Personal life

Muslim was born in 1981 in a working-class neighborhood in Tangier. He has two sons from his first wife.

Discography

Albums

• Tanjawa Daba (2001)
• Jebha (2003)
• Strictly For My Souljaz (2005)
• Dem w Dmou3 (2006)
• Katra (2006)
• Bghini Awla Krahni (2006)
• Mor Sour (2008)
• Al Tamarod (2010)

Singles

• "L'Marhoum" (2013)
• "Al Rissala" (2014)