El Mehdi Unleashes His Most Personal Work Yet With New Track ‘ENCORE'
Jun 09, 2025
Moroccan artist El Mehdi has dropped ENCORE, a powerful single years in the making. Written during one of the most difficult moments in his life, the track nearly never made it to the light. But now, fully realized and sonically expansive, ENCORE arrives as his most vulnerable and honest offering yet.
Built around a haunting arrangement of oud, cello, and violins, the track leans into minimal yet cinematic textures, produced by Sunjun, Tallisker, and Wake Island, with additional vocal production by Caracol. El Mehdi's voice drips with intent, raw, textured, and resolute.
The cover art pays homage to his Aït Atta ancestry through Asbia' Iquorain, a set of Amazigh silver bracelets traditionally worn by women for protection and pride. 'They embody the duality I explore in ENCORE,' Mehdi says. 'Our strengths, our weapons, can also become our chains.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CAF
2 days ago
- CAF
CAF and The Laughing Cow® from the BEL Group conclude Official Supplier Agreement for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025
The Confédération Africaine de Football ('CAF') and The Laughing Cow®, one of the world's most iconic cheese brands of Bel Group today concluded the Official Supplier Agreement for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations ('AFCON') Morocco 2025. The signing ceremony, which took place today in Casablanca, was attended by CAF General Secretary Véron Mosengo-Omba and Jérôme Garbi, Global Cheese Chief Officer, and Europe, Middle-East, Africa & Overseas CEO of Bel Group. This partnership builds on The Laughing Cow®'s long-standing presence in Africa and deep local anchorage. Since the 1960s, the brand has become an integral part of daily life for millions of African families. In Morocco, where it is produced locally at Bel Group's Tangier factory, a major industrial and export hub for Africa and the Middle East, The Laughing Cow® is found in 8 out of 10 households. CAF General Secretary, Mosengo-Omba said: 'The significant interest and support by Moroccan, African and global companies in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 is an indication of the growing popularity of the competition not only in Morocco but globally. On behalf of the CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, we welcome the BEL Group and The Laughing Cow® to the CAF family. We look forward to continued partnership with them.' Jérôme Garbi said: 'The Laughing Cow® has always stood for sharing and togetherness. Joining the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 is a natural and meaningful step for us, to connect with people, support communities, and celebrate what brings us all together: joy. We are especially proud to carry on a pioneering tradition. The Laughing Cow® was one of the first brands in the world to partner with sports events as early as the 1920s. This new chapter in Africa continues that legacy, with impact and smiles at the heart of everything we do.' A Celebration of Football, Culture, and Togetherness As part of TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, Morocco 2025, The Laughing Cow® will bring its joyful spirit to stadiums, fan zones, local markets and communities and social platforms. From interactive fan experiences and in-store activations to content celebrating African football culture, the brand will help make the tournament a celebration of unity and joy across borders. For more on the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, visit . For Further Inquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department
Daily News Egypt
4 days ago
- Daily News Egypt
I won't trade my identity to please market: Douzi
With a style rooted in authenticity and a voice that resonates across borders, Moroccan pop singer Abdelhafid Douzi speaks to the Arab world from the heart. In this conversation, he reflects on his growing connection with Egyptian audience, the evolution of Moroccan music, and why staying true to his roots has been the key to his success. Do you still see dialect as a barrier for Moroccan music to spread across the Arab world? Not at all. I see it as a strength. Growing up in Morocco, we were exposed to Egyptian, Gulf, and Lebanese music. We didn't always understand every word, but we connected emotionally first—and understanding followed. That's the power of music: it reaches the heart before the mind. What's beautiful now is that I have a strong Egyptian fanbase who speak to me in Moroccan. This didn't happen through translation—it happened through listening, love, and curiosity. Some young Egyptians even picked up the dialect just from music, social media, and friendships with Moroccans. That shows how far music can go. The Moroccan dialect isn't really hard—it just takes exposure. A few listens are enough before people start recognising words, then understanding, and finally singing along. It's only a matter of time. How do you see your artistic presence in Egypt? Egypt is the cultural capital of the Arab world. It has a deep musical heritage, an aware audience, and media that truly understands art. Being active in Egypt isn't a luxury—it's essential for any Arab singer who wants to last. My collaboration with Mohsen Gaber and Mazzika on 'Qamar' wasn't just a professional move—it was a turning point. I needed to speak to the Arab world in my own voice and dialect without sacrificing who I am. Egypt gave me that chance. The Egyptian audience is very open to anything real and heartfelt, and that gave me confidence to keep building my musical journey with passion. Could you tell us about your duet with Diana Haddad? It was one of the most rewarding experiences recently. Diana has a beautiful voice and, beyond that, real artistic vision and emotional depth. When she sent me the song, I immediately felt good vibes—a summery feel, catchy rhythm, and lyrics that work from the first listen. I suggested doing it in Moroccan, and she loved the idea. I asked if she'd prefer Egyptian, but she said: 'No—we want it fully Moroccan.' My brother and I wrote the lyrics to keep them simple and relatable so that Arab listeners everywhere could enjoy them. When we finished recording, the harmony between our voices felt completely natural. We filmed the video in Dubai with a great team, and thankfully, it connected with audiences in many countries. Why do you think Moroccan music took time to gain regional popularity? Moroccan music is rich in rhythm, melody, and message—but for years, it didn't get enough exposure. Media coverage was limited, and there weren't the digital tools we have today. Many Moroccan artists had to sing in Levantine or Gulf dialects to get noticed, which slowed the rise of Moroccan dialect music. But today, things are different. The internet removed barriers, and social media gave Moroccan music its own space. Now, Arab listeners are looking for it and enjoying it. That didn't happen overnight—it came from years of effort and staying genuine. Which songs do you consider milestones in your career? Each stage of my journey has its own song. In 2005, I released a track in France that won a gold disc—that was my first breakthrough in Europe. Later, 'Elli Nasini' was a turning point. It blended Indian, Moroccan, and pop elements, showing a new side of me. Then came 'Meryem,' which opened new doors—I reached audiences in Iraq, Turkey, and even parts of Eastern Europe. Every song has been a new step, taught me something, and shaped who I am as an artist. That's the beauty of music—it keeps evolving. How do you choose your songs? I look for songs that are easy to love but have depth. I want melodies that are simple yet touching, and lyrics that speak to the heart without being predictable. Today's audience often connects with a song from the first listen. The challenge is making something catchy but meaningful. It's not easy, but it works when you stay true to what you believe in. Has living in Europe influenced your identity as an artist? I've lived in Europe for over 25 years, so naturally, I've absorbed Western music. But the more I grew, the more I felt the need to hold on to my Moroccan and Arab identity. I see it as my mission to represent where I come from. Whether performing in Paris or Dubai, I carry with me a message, a sound, and a culture I'm proud of. What role has social media played in your journey? It changed everything. Social media isn't just for promoting a song—it's for real connection. Sometimes a 15-second TikTok clip can spread faster than a TV music video. I read comments and messages, learn what people love, and sometimes test new ideas online. It's become a direct, daily link with my audience. What are you currently working on? I'm working on a new track with a Latin American producer—it'll be a fresh blend of styles and rhythms. I'm also thinking about an album featuring different Arabic dialects, but always in my own voice and style. There's even a short film idea I'm exploring. If I find the right story, I might step into cinema. I never say no to any project that's real and driven by passion. I'm always open to new adventures—as long as they reflect who I truly am.
CairoScene
6 days ago
- CairoScene
Monochrome Monday: The Chartreuse Edition
Chartreuse is like the fountain of youth; it keeps your brief summer tan forever young (well, for as long as possible). Jul 21, 2025 Every summer, we face the dilemma of wanting to stay tan all summer, but also somehow having to go sit an office every day - unless of course you work from home, but we're pretty sure you can'd do that half-naked on a beach either (if you can, does your place of work have any vacancies?). We have no choice but to burn ourselves to the max when we do go on vacation, and then find ways to make our tan as visible as possible for the rest of the summer. Citrus Dress | Aqui Beirut With a plunging neckline, floral ruffles on the straps and cascading tiers, this Aqui Beirut dress is perfect beachside date night attire. Mela Verde Silk Dress | Elie Saab Got a wedding coming up, and you're worried that people might not be able to see the extent of your tan in the dark? This beautiful, flowy Mela verde silk is the perfect solution. Tonia Top | Roni Helou It's summer, and it's natural to want to show some skin, or like, all of your skin. This Roni helou net of a top is the perfect piece to allow you to do that, but still be interesting enough to make a statement. Cobra Skirt | Rat & Boa This beautiful translucent skirt by Rat & Boa signals that you're 1) hot, 2) tanned and 3) possibly venomous. Erika | Zyne It's earthy, but not boring. Moroccan label Zyne's Erika adds just the right amount of colour to neutral outfits, and it doesn't feel like you're making an effort. Ageeba shirt | Amina Galal Egyptian designer Amina Galal is notorious for designing pieces that seem pretty straightforward, and then encouraging people to wear them in different ways, and Ageeba is no different. Milo | Nathalie Trad This tropical Nathalie Trad clutch is the perfect summer accessory. Not only does the chartreuse in it make it feel like lemonade as a bag, but it's also made out of kabibe shell. Grece choker | APOA This choker has everything: pearls, rhinestones and a bold pop of colour. It's the perfect piece to elevate an outfit. Glenda Patent Caged In Buckle Sandal | Kenneth Cole We don't want to make the implication that chartreuse is to be worn purely at the beach, especially when Kenneth Cole's Glenda is actively proving us wrong. This dainty pump is buckled and ready to take on the city by storm. Intrecciato Leather Pouch | Bottega Veneta If you're intrigued by chartreuse, but not quite ready to be clad in it head-to-toe, Bottega Veneta's kiwi pouch adds just a pop of colour to ease you into the colour, and spice up any of your outfits. Beaded Flower Button Earrings | Oscar de la Renta These Oscar de la Renta clip-ons send the vague feeling that someone is wearing squeezed lemons on their ears, which makes the mere sight of you in them refreshing.
