If you have been keeping an eye on Morocco’s next generation of pop artists, Kawtar Oudghiri has another song for your playlist.
The young Moroccan singer released her latest single, “B&N,” on September 25, continuing a year in which she has been steadily adding new music to her catalogue.
And at this point, Kawtar is clearly past the introduction stage.
She first caught the internet’s attention with her viral cover of “Ya Lalali”, which turned a casual upload into millions of views and streams. But the more interesting part of her career has been everything that happened after.
Instead of staying known for one viral cover, Kawtar started releasing her own music.
Ghanili introduced her original sound, followed by tracks including Liyam, Mali, Wst Lmraya and Hdak. Earlier this year, she continued that run with “Nty,” “Makaynch Dahk” and “Njoum.”
Now comes “B&N.”
The release adds another chapter to an artist who has been experimenting with where Moroccan pop can go while keeping Darija at the centre of her music.
That evolution is worth watching.
Kawtar started making music while growing up in Sidi Slimane, posting covers online while she was still in school. She has since signed with Universal Music Maroc, performed internationally and built a catalogue that is increasingly about her own identity rather than the song that originally made her viral.
“B&N” feels like another step in that process.
Kawtar is no longer trying to become an upcoming Moroccan artist.
She is building the catalogue to stop being called one.
