Music has been a vital form of human expression for thousands of years, evolving from simple rhythms to complex genres. Here we will explore the history of music, the rise of rap, and its impact in Morocco, where it has grown into a powerful voice for social and cultural expression.
Music has existed since ancient times, with evidence showing it has been produced for over 40,000 years. This is supported by the discovery of instruments made from animal bones found in Europe. Rhythms were created using vocal sounds, and songs were primarily based on the human voice, with few instruments. Music was not just for entertainment; it was also used in religious rituals and served as spiritual nourishment. It is as old as humanity itself, symbolizing the expression of emotions.
This led humans to develop many musical genres, including rap, which is currently the most popular genre worldwide. Hip-Hop emerged in the 1970s in New York, specifically in neighborhoods like the Bronx. The first official appearance of Hip-hop culture was by DJ Kool Herc, considered one of the founders of the Hip-Hop mouvement, who organized a party where music consisted of words and rhythms.
In the late 1970s, rap developed and was first recorded commercially with the song “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang in 1979. It spread globally, and by the late 1980s and 1990s, rap became a tool for expressing freedom and social and political issues. It evolved from a local movement to a global phenomenon across different cultures.
Rap made its way to Morocco in the late 1990s, emerging in popular neighborhoods, especially in major cities. Its influence came from the U.S., where its origins were recorded on cassettes before the internet. Early Moroccan rap artists included Double A and Caza Crew. By the end of 2004, rap began to move beyond the popular neighborhoods, thanks to the internet, and started appearing on radio and television. New artists such as Don Big and Moslim rapped about social and political issues, and the group H-Kayne played a significant role in the acceptance of this genre by the audience.
By the late 2010s, rap gained more popularity, becoming a cultural movement and one of the most listened-to genres. It achieved high views on YouTube and other platforms, with artists like 7liwa, Dizzy Dross, and Shayfeen leading the way. Over time, rap evolved into various subgenres such as trap and drill. It became an expressive symbol for youth to talk about issues like poverty and unemployment.
One of the factors behind rap’s success in Morocco is the integration of the local dialect with various languages and rhythms. Platforms like YouTube and Spotify have also contributed to its spread. Moroccan rap has evolved from simply imitating Western rap to becoming a unique artistic and cultural movement with its own voice, identity, and Moroccan influences.
