I Love Hip-Hop in Morocco

The rise of hip-hop music’s popularity in modern day Morocco has triggered multiple responses from its citizens. The younger generation embraces rap as a promoter of free speech and expression. Yet, much of the older generation views hip hop as dirty and sinful. The documentary “I Love Hip-Hop in Morocco” focuses on this music as a form of unification amongst Moroccan youth. By participating in a series of three music festivals artists such as Mot de Passe and DJ Key promote freedom of expression to huge audiences. The effect of these concerts embodies the younger generation’s discontent with the intolerant society in which they live.

                The faces of Moroccan hip-hop represent a society deprived of the right to free speech. It is a much different world than the United States. A king presides over all government operation, which is heavily guided by the principles of Islam. Strict Muslims view hip-hop as an invasion of American culture in their country and label its fans as thugs. Mot de Passe is a rap group led by a French-speaking female rapper – Fati. Many people criticize and doubt her capabilities because of her gender. However Fati is just as much a rapper as any of the male recording artist in Morocco. Her lyric-filled notebooks and inspiration taken from Eminem are what the documentary identifies her with. She attends school and only gets to perform if she gets high enough grades according to her parents. She earns respect by taking pride in who she is and demonstrating her skills. Another prominent face of Moroccan hip-hop is DJ Key. He left his job at an architecture firm to pursue a career in music. Now DJ Key organizes, funds, and provides entertainment for parties throughout the city. He does this in order to make a living, but it directly conflicts with his religious beliefs. The film captures the struggle DJ Key faces knowing the music he creates in deemed sinful by so many. His situation is seen in a majority of Moroccan youth. Many are forced to choose between living by the strict standards of Islam or the radical lifestyle of hip-hop.

                 The emergence of hip-hop in Morocco represents how America’s culture has diffused around the world. “I Love Hip-Hop in Morocco” captures aspects of American influence towards young Moroccans. The ways performers dress and interact with the audience directly mirrors this originally American art form. Organizers of the I Love Hip-Hop in Morocco concert were forced to seek sponsors. They initially approached Coca Cola and the American embassy in Morocco. These two main sponsors further show the Moroccan’s reliance on America. The government’s involvement with the music festival amplifies its presence in underdeveloped societies. With the war and U.S.’s military occupation of the Middle East many Arabs view Americans in a bad light. By supporting peaceful music performances America sends a more positive message to the Islamic community.

                With the development of the information super-highway America’s influence has reached nearly all parts of the Earth. Its music, clothing, and industry specifically appeal to younger generations. Most of these ideas directly counter the traditional practices of many countries, thus inspiring negative political views or actions towards the United States. Artists in foreign countries latch onto these fresh ideas and communicate their feelings through a new style of music. America’s role in globalization serves to create communities linked by music and freedom of expression.