Moroccan Artists Shine at the Billboard Arabia Music Awards 2024

On December 5th, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, became the epicenter of musical excellence with the inaugural Billboard Arabia Music Awards 2024 (BBAMA). Moroccan artists delivered a historic performance, taking home multiple awards and showcasing the vibrancy of Morocco’s music scene to the world.

Celebrated at the prestigious King Fahad Cultural Center, this groundbreaking event honored the most talented Arab and North African artists dominating global charts and streaming platforms. Among the stars who left an indelible mark were Khtek, Manal Benchlikha, ElGrandeToto, and Dystinct.

Khtek: A Trailblazer in Moroccan Hip-Hop

Houda Abouz, known as Khtek, was crowned Best Female Hip-Hop Artist of the Year, a testament to her influence and artistry in a male-dominated genre. With millions of streams and her fearless approach to addressing social issues, Khtek continues to redefine Moroccan rap. From the streets of Khémisset to international recognition, she’s an icon of resilience and innovation.

Manal Benchlikha: The Voice of Maghrebi Pop

Manal Benchlikha added another accolade to her illustrious career by winning Top Female Artist – Magharebi Dialect. Competing against notable names like Marwa Loud and Hind Ziadi, Manal’s unique fusion of Moroccan pop with global influences secured her place as a standout voice. With a career spanning nearly a decade, she has rejuvenated Moroccan pop, captivating audiences worldwide.

ElGrandeToto: The King of MENA Hip-Hop

The night’s biggest winner was undoubtedly ElGrandeToto, who claimed three prestigious awards:

• Artist of the Year – Arabic Hip-Hop

• Top Arabic Hip-Hop Male Artist

• Top Arabic Hip-Hop Song for his hit track “Blue Love.”

With over 285 million streams on Spotify and an unparalleled presence in the MENA region, ElGrandeToto’s dominance is unquestionable. Reflecting on his victory, he shared an emotional Instagram post:

"PIANO PIANO MEN TOP MOROCCO TAL BILLBOARD 🎯 3X 🏆🏆🏆 @billboardarabia TROPHIES FOR MOROCCAN RAP 🇲🇦. AN HONOR TO REPRESENT MY COUNTRY, DESPITE THE CIRCUMSTANCES. ☝🏼 DIMA MAGHRIB 🇲🇦❤."

This triple victory reaffirms his role as a global ambassador for Moroccan rap.

Dystinct: A Rising Star in Maghrebi Music

Belgian-Moroccan artist Dystinct shone brightly, winning both Artist of the Year – Magharebi and Top Male Artist – Magharebi Dialect. With hits like “Ghazali” racking up 108 million views on YouTube, Dystinct’s heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies have positioned him as a leading figure in Moroccan pop.

A Milestone for Moroccan Culture

The Billboard Arabia Music Awards celebrated the richness of Moroccan artistry and its growing influence on global music. This event marks a pivotal moment for the culture, showcasing the excellence of Moroccan dialects and genres to an international audience.

Moroccan artists have once again proven their ability to transcend borders, bringing pride to the nation and inspiring the next generation of creators. As ElGrandeToto aptly put it: "DIMA MAGHRIB."

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