Taoufik Hazeb, known as Don Bigg, Bigg da Don or just Bigg, is one of Morocco’s most influential rappers – but he only got into hip-hop because: “I didn’t have a beautiful voice, so the choice was made.”
His latest hit is a collaboration between Nigerian singer-songwriter Teni and Hamid El Kasri, a master musician of Gnawa – a deeply hypnotic trance music that originated in Morocco’s enslaved communities.
Son of a Slave addresses Morocco’s history of slavery in a powerful and uplifting way.
It’s taken Bigg a long time to confront the issue – even though for 20 years he built his reputation on being outspoken on controversial matters including politics, corruption, police brutality and domestic abuse.
Quote Message: I didn’t have the guts to talk about the subject [of slavery] because I didn’t want to just talk about something that’s not my culture.”
I didn’t have the guts to talk about the subject [of slavery] because I didn’t want to just talk about something that’s not my culture.”
But then he realised that slavery was part of his own family’s history – his own grandfather is descended from enslaved people.
Don Bigg started out back in 2004 and became a big star in 2006.
He’s credited as pioneering Morocco’s rap movement. He knew in 1989 – when he was six years old – that he wanted to get into music. He was watching a Michael Jackson concert on TV.
“I didn’t understand a word, but I’m just feeling the vibe of his singing.
“When the crowd yelled at the end of the song, I got goosebumps – and I just had this feeling that this is what I want to do.”
Bigg began rapping in English, but soon realised that rapping in Darija, Morrocan Arabic, was the way to connect with the people.
He’s collaborated with many of the younger generation of Moroccan rappers, including Dizzy Dros, Dragonov, Khtek and El Grande Toto.
Bigg believes that Moroccan rap is entering a new era.
Rappers in Morocco are heard all over the world, celebrated in the mainstream and even get the support of the king.
Quote Message: I’m really proud to see my country as it is right now. We had this dream back in the day.”
I’m really proud to see my country as it is right now. We had this dream back in the day.”
He says that Moroccan rap is also freeing itself from the influence of US and European rap as artists turn towards the rest of Africa for collaborations.
“I think people are starting to understand that Africa is the future – because it’s there that you can find a lot of different cultures.”
And you can certainly hear those different vibes in Don Bigg’s collaboration with Teni.