Take It Easy On Me – Bob Sinclar

Bob Sinclar is back with a track that blends house and disco, featuring, of course, his signature feel-good touch that we all love. But the real surprise? The music video. Featuring exaggerated aesthetic transformations, the DJ appears unrecognizable, his face seemingly frozen by plastic surgery. It’s a clever take on today’s obsession with appearance… and a brilliant PR move. Well played!

Hurry Up Tomorrow – The Weeknd

Released two weeks ago, “Hurry Up Tomorrow” is the latest single from the album of the same name. Staying true to his signature eighties aesthetic— which made After Hours and Dawn FM so memorable—The Weeknd delivers a synth-driven melody that immerses us in a futuristic yet nostalgic atmosphere.

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Totopika – ElGrandeToto & Vacra

Among the best surprises of 2025’s new music, one of our favorites is the collab between ElGrandeToto and Vacra, aka Pikatchu. Yes, the singer with the androgynous voice who long kept his true identity a mystery… This single masterfully blends rap and pop with an addictive chorus that’s impossible to stop humming. It stays in line with Salgoat, Toto’s last album, which racked up over 75 million streams since its release in late November 2024.

Born Again – Lisa & Doja Cat

Another exciting collab—this time, an all-female one! Lisa, member of K-pop group Blackpink, teamed up with American rapper Doja Cat and British singer-songwriter Raye. The result? “Born Again”, a track that fuses pop, rap, and electronic music. From Lisa’s highly anticipated solo album Alter Ego, set for release on February 28, the single is already trending on YouTube with 39 million views.

Exile – Saint Levant

Palestinian artist Saint Levant is back with “Exile”, a track blending R&B and Oriental influences. Poetic and introspective, the song explores themes of displacement and identity—both central to his musical universe.

Abracadabra – Lady Gaga

With “Abracadabra”, Lady Gaga skillfully combines electro and pop. This 2025 hit is sure to please longtime fans, especially those who have followed her from the start. A clear nod to her “Bad Romance” era—yes, that iconic track is already 16 years old!

Baile Inolvidable – Bad Bunny

Time for some salsa vibes! Bad Bunny’s latest track pays tribute to the musical roots of his native Puerto Rico. Vibrant and rhythmic, “Baile Inolvidable” once again proves his versatility and ability to blend reggaeton, pop, and traditional music.

Survival – Rilès

After months of teasing on social media, Rilès is back with a transformed look. So drastically slimmed down that he resembles Christian Bale in The Machinist, the singer unveils “Survival”—a track where rap, singing, and Afro influences collide. Both intense and melodic, this 2025 release is a powerful anthem of resilience. And to top it all off, the artist just completed an extraordinary challenge: running non-stop for 24 hours on a treadmill, covering over 200 kilometers.

Girl, Feel Good – FKA twigs

Following the success of Magdalene in 2019, FKA twigs returns with Eusexua, an album inspired by Prague’s raves and techno clubs. “Girl, Feel Good”, one of its standout tracks, is a celebration of empowerment and self-confidence. With pulsating beats straight out of the underground club scene, the song fuses electronic rhythms with ethereal vocals.

Midalya – Rim Fikri

“Midalya” by Rim Fikri is a dynamic track infused with pop and Arabic sounds. With lyrics about perseverance and personal victories, the 25-year-old artist delivers an anthem of determination.

Autumn is just around the corner… But that’s no reason to let melancholy take over! To infuse your daily commutes with cheer and fill your weekends with good vibes, we’ve put together an anti-back-to-school-blues playlist featuring pop, electro, rap, and more… For a rhythmic start to the 2024 school year, here’s what you need!

Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars: “Die With a Smile”

An unexpected duo! “Die With a Smile,” with its pop and soul vibes, has been a hit since its release. This back-to-school season, the track is booming on social media, especially on TikTok, where users are embracing the dance moves of the 2024 Olympic star.

Taylor Swift: “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”

Taylor Swift is making waves on social media, not only with her support for Kamala Harris but also with her latest hit, “I Can Do It with a Broken Heart.” This electro-pop track subtly critiques our productivity culture while revealing Swift’s personal pain after her breakup with Joe Alwyn. The song exposes the immense pressure to perform while dealing with personal and emotional challenges.

Shawn Mendes: “Why Why Why”

For his big return after a two-year hiatus, singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes drops “Why Why Why,” with subtly folk influences. However, the former Calvin Klein model has never really left the spotlight. With four successful albums and hits like “Stitches” and “Señorita,” the Canadian artist boasts six tracks that have surpassed a billion streams on Spotify.

Eminem: “Somebody Sve Me”

For the first time, Eminem and Jelly Roll team up on the poignant “Somebody Save Me,” from the album “The Death of Slim Shady.” At 51, Eminem seizes the opportunity to offer sincere apologies to his children and express his struggle with addiction. A month after the album’s release, rapper Marshall Mathers reconciled  with his daughter Hailie Jade, highlighting his quest for redemption.

Maitre Gims: “Sois Pas Timide”

Gims never stops! After the colossal success of “Spider” with 96 million streams and a diamond certification, he returns with “Sois Pas Timide,” already at 37 million streams and topping the charts this back-to-school season. In this track, he declares his love for his wife, Demdem.

L.E.J: “Summer 2024”

Summer is saying its farewells, but isn’t over yet!  To revive your sunny memories, we dive into the mashup by French group L.E.J. Lucie, Elisa, and Juliette have outdone themselves this year by revisiting summer hits. Get ready to rediscover 20 essential tracks in a version that will make you dance, even in heavy traffic.

Coldplay: “We Pray”

British band Coldplay has released their new single, “We Pray,” ahead of their highly anticipated album “Moon Music,” due in October. This song, written in one night by Chris Martin, is meant to be a musical prayer. According to the singer, it’s a spontaneous creation born from a deep desire to share hope and comfort in the face of life’s challenges.

Manal: “Cabaret”                          BACK-TO-SCHOOL 2024

Staying true to her style, Manal hits hard with “Cabaret,” from her upcoming album “Arabian Heartbreak.” This fourth track, with a slow rhythm and revisited chaâbi sounds, combines percussion and traditional Arabic instruments with modern musical touches. It tells the moving story of a broken woman torn between painful choices and sacrifices. As always, Manal challenges conventions by addressing societal issues  close to her heart.

Pandit & Mandinga: “Mentirosa”            BACK-TO-SCHOOL 2024

The gem of the 2024 season that will make you dance against your will is “Mentirosa” (“Liar”), the result of the collaboration between Romanian DJ Pandit and group Mandinga. A successful mix of catchy rhythms, perfect for clubs.

Read also : THE 5 BEST CLASSIC TV SHOWS TO WATCH OR REWATCH

GORDO x Drake: “Healing”

If you’re a fan of Latin music, dance, and rap, check out “Healing” by GORDO and Drake. This track delves into vulnerability and introspection, with a captivating video. Despite his clashes with Kendrick Lamar, Drake highlights friendship and support in this song.

Adèle Castillon: À la Folie”          BACK-TO-SCHOOL 2024

After the success of “Ce Soir,” a collaboration with Gazo (2.2 million views in two months), French singer Adèle Castillon approaches the 2024 back-to-school season with a new single, “À La Folie.” This new hit explores the search for inner peace and the desire to free oneself from painful memories.

Fayçal Azizi: “Qiluni”

Moroccan artist Fayçal Azizi, known for his rebellious spirit, raises the temperature among his fans with the announcement of his new single “Qiluni.” In this track, he claims his right to live his way, despite societal pressures. An ode to freedom.

Listen here.

Picture (c) : Manal Benchlikha

Magalenha – Sérgio Mendes

This track, released in 1966, is one of the classics of bossa nova. Both a composer and pianist, Sérgio Mendes is one of the pioneers of this musical genre (he’s also known for the cover of “Mas que Nada” by Jorge Ben Jor), a rhythmic and joyful song that takes us back to the roots of this musical style.

Cherries – Hope Tala ft. Aminé

Hope Tala is to bossa nova what Rosalia is to flamenco. The London-based singer blends Brazilian rhythms with R&B sounds, making her the musical crush of our playlist. Featuring American rapper Aminé, her track “Cherries”—with a must-see video—offers a stunning performance of neo-bossa nova that will stay in our heads all summer long.

Onde Anda Você – Vinicius de Moraes & Toquinho

When talking about bossa nova, you can’t overlook the extensive repertoire of Vinicius de Moraes. The poet, composer, lyricist, and performer born in Rio de Janeiro at the beginning of the 20th century is an iconic figure of Brazilian popular music. He frequently collaborated with Toquinho, a renowned singer-songwriter and guitarist from São Paulo. Vinicius de Moraes wrote the lyrics, and Toquinho composed the music, resulting in poetic works like “Onde Anda Você,” which we never get tired of. 

Brazilian Soul – The Knocks ft. Sofi Tukker (Acoustic Bossa Version)

The endless sandy beaches of Copacabana, the Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro, the sunset over Sugarloaf Mountain… Listening to “Brazilian Soul” will instantly transport you to the heart of Rio’s vibrant atmosphere and lush nature. This song is perfect for traveling, at least in your mind, carried by Sofi Tukker’s soothing voice.

Vous ai-je déjà dit? – Helena Noguerra

Is there a French-style bossa nova? Of course, and it’s delightful to listen to. We love the ultra-playful version by Helena Noguerra and her track “Vous ai-je déjà dit?”, which blends Brazilian sounds with flirtatious lyrics –perfect  for those who enjoy sleeping in or just lounging in bed (preferably with a sea view).

Bossa – Ahmed Malek

Algerian musician and composer Ahmed Malek, born in 1931, primarily wrote film scores for television and cinema. In 2017, his track “Bossa” was rediscovered on the “Habibi Funk” album by Jakarta Records. Since then, its simple and bright melody has stuck with us.

Florzinha – Tânia Maria

Do you know Tânia Maria? If her name doesn’t ring a bell, you’ll probably recognize her voice. The Brazilian jazz pianist and singer, with a particularly resonant  tone and a unique style, had to be on our playlist. While driving on vacation, with the wind in your hair, listen to her joyful and catchy track “Florzinha” (little flower).

Nature Boy – Zoot Sims

When American saxophonist Zoot Sims dives into bossa nova with his orchestra, it results in two volumes of high-quality “New Beat Bossa Nova.” The program includes pure melody to be enjoyed non-stop,  from dawn to dusk (and beyond, if you’re so inclined). For the curious, the track “Nature Boy” offers an excellent introduction.

Chove Chuva – Jorge Ben Jor

Released in 1977, “Chove Chuva” may not be Jorge Ben Jor’s most famous song, but it’s one of the most beautiful: a simple rhythm and pared-down lyrics (Chove Chuva means “it’s raining drops”) make this track utterly addictive, and it hasn’t aged a bit!

La chanson des jours bénis – Philippe Katerine

Bossa nova has conquered the world, charming even the quirkiest singers. Proof of this is “La chanson des jours bénis” by the eccentric Philippe Katerine, who delivers a sweet track that will be appreciated by those unafraid of a little melancholy.

Read also : SUMMER VACATION : EIGHT IDEAS TO EXTEND THE FUN

Navegar – Bïa

In the 1990s, Brazilian artists revived bossa nova by fusing it with Afro or samba sounds. This is the case with singer Bïa, who blends Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, French, and English in her songs, releasing a beautiful album of ballads in 2015 titled “Navegar.” We love the title track, perfect for drifting into daydreams.

Afeto – Mayra Andrade

“Afeto” isn’t strictly a bossa nova track, but we couldn’t end this playlist without sharing a gem of Lusophone music: Mayra Andrade. This Cape Verdean singer, now based in Lisbon, continually surprises us with her hybrid songs that mix mambo, reggae, fado, and bossa nova. We love the ultra-stylized aesthetics of her music videos and her sensual songs that capture the essence of summer.

Your Love is King – Sade

We start with the high priestess of love songs, whose track (released in 1984) is a royal declaration.

Can You Feel the Love Tonight? – The Lion King

Elton John’s voice, Timon and Pumbaa’s intro, and the chills Disney knows how to create, for a track that became iconic thanks to the animated movie re-released in 2019, this time with Beyoncé at the helm of the soundtrack.

Wandu Project – King of My Castle

Released in 1999 (the same year as the coronation of Mohammed VI), this electro track made clubbers around the world dance. We listen to it again for this 25th Throne Day!

Dadju – King

Dadju is the king of romantic songs… With the track, “King” (released in 2022), the poetic rapper delivers an upbeat melody, perfect for singing and/or dancing along to.

Sun King – The Beatles

It’s not the most well-known track by the Fab Four, but like “Here Comes the Sun” (toudoudoudou), this song also pays tribute to the sun, which young Londoners probably didn’t see often…

King of the World – Steely Dan

Ah, the futuristic funk of the seventies! If you don’t already know Steely Dan, it’s the signature jazz-rock sound of that era, with an impressive discography to enjoy again and again. 

King of Guitar – BB King

Was the blues guitarist and singer talking about himself in King of Guitar? Either way, for us, he remains undeniably the King.

King of Dreams – Deep Purple

Released in 1990, this track marks the rise of alternative rock, with Deep Purple as a flagbearer. Rebellious youth in Los Angeles, a somewhat naive music video, and hairstyles that would challenge even the best hairdressers today… But we still love it, because it’s Deep Purple.

King of Birds – R.E.M.

The mesmerizing voice of Michael Stipe, the “snake charmer” guitar sound: “King of Birds” is the perfect track to drift away to. Put it on repeat for Throne Day.

King of the Hill – Johnny Cash

This Johnny Cash track, from the tortured king of country, captures the essence of sixties Montana. Not familiar with him? Watch Walk the Line, a magnificent biopic of the artist. He is majestically portrayed by the brilliant Joaquin Phoenix.

House of the King – Focus

Don’t be misled by the first clarinet notes. It’s a German band, but the rock and rhythm take us back in time to a hippie era full of carefree vibes.

Hall of the Mountain King – The Who

With this 1967 track, The Who heralds the birth of punk. Warn your neighbors before playing it, as it needs to be cranked up loud.

King & Queen – Wyclef Jean & Shakira

He’s one-third of the Fugees, she’s the queen of Latin music (sorry, JLO). Together, Haiti and Colombia unite for a rhythm that makes you want to book the next flight to the West Indies.

King of My Heart – John Mark McMillan, Sarah McMillan

He’s known for, among other things, the City of Angels soundtrack. A word of warning: with Sarah McMillan, keep tissues close by.

King of the Bongo – Robbie Williams

Did you know that the cheeky British pop star – with Lily Allen – covered two of Manu Chao’s iconic tracks in 2006?

After our last playlist for rap newbies, we continue with our special focus on rap in Morocco. We promised to talk about female talents, and here we’re keeping our word. The editorial team has selected three girls who are making waves with their polished flow and sharp punchlines. Remember these names: Khtek, Frizzy, and Rita L’Oujdia, because you’ll be hearing a lot more from them.

Read also : EXPLORING TANGIER WITH FRESH EYES : 5 SPOTS TO VISIT

Khtek 

Hailing from Kmisset, the first artist in our special selection of rap in Morocco with a girly touch doesn’t hold back. Self-proclaimed “khtek” (“your sister” in Darija), she gained recognition from the general public in early 2019. Her breakthrough moment? A collaboration with Moroccan rap stars El Grande Toto, Don Bigg, and Draganov. The resulting track, “Hors Série,” has amassed 35 million views (no small feat) and has given her access to a wider audience. She followed it up with “Fratello,” a song she co-wrote with Tagne and Stormy (36 million views). In 2020, the BBC included her in their list of 100 inspiring and influential women worldwide. Her growing fame led to a performance at the L’Boulevard festival in Casablanca in 2022, where she delighted the audience with her old-school rap. A remarkable achievement for this young woman born in 1995.

What we love : Her sharp lyrics and her commitment to women’s rights, defending her Amazigh identity, and embracing diversity (as showcased in the anthem “Bizarre”).

 

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Rita L’Oujdia 

In the category of rap in Morocco, the current it girl (at least, for us) is none other than Rita L’Oujdia. Born in this eastern city, this rapper left Morocco at a young age to settle in France with her family. She began studying baroque music at the conservatory and later taught herself guitar and piano through YouTube tutorials. After starting her studies in political science, the now 22-year-old decided to abandon it all and fully dedicate herself to music in London. In her tracks, she combines various styles and languages: Darija, French, English, Portuguese, Spanish… yes, you read that right. Her song “Dkhol So9 Rassek” (“mind your own business”), addressing street harassment, propelled her into the spotlight (184,000 views). More recently, she released “Mujer Cobra,” a catchy track that you’ll find yourself humming all summer.

What we love : Her blend of styles (raï, chaabi, reggaeton, bossa nova, and even flamenco) and her confident sensuality, making her the future Moroccan Rosalía.

 

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Frizzy 

Relatively less known than the previous artists, but equally talented, Frizzy (named after her curly hair) is the third artist in our selection of female rappers in Morocco. The young Rbatia, still a student, gained recognition through social media. On her Instagram account, she effortlessly showcases her famous “frizzystyles,” garnering hundreds of thousands of views. Surprised by her own success, she gradually released singles and collaborations. As a socially engaged artist, she recently lent her voice and lyrics to the #BghataLwa9t campaign, supported by UN Women, advocating for reform of the Family Code and Penal Code in favor of women’s rights. A talent to keep your eye on…

What we love : Her freshness and irreverence. 

 

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Moroccan rap is on the rise, and we’re not the only ones saying it. Are you still stuck on Fnaïre’s “Mchicha” or limited to a few tracks of “conscious rap” by Mobydick? In other words, you’re completely out of the loop and struggling to keep up with the slew of new releases that Moroccan hip-hop has brought forth in recent months (even years). The editorial team offers you its non-exhaustive (and entirely subjective) playlist of the most talented rappers of the moment. What about female rappers? Stay tuned, we’ll talk about them very soon.

EL GRANDE TOTO: SILHOUETTE

Self-proclaimed “The GOAT” (meaning “The Greatest of All Time”), El Grande Toto is undoubtedly the artist who has propelled Moroccan rap to another level. Most of his tracks turn into hits, and he constantly breaks records with each new release. In 2022, he was the most streamed artist in Morocco for the 3rd consecutive year (not too shabby!). We’ll let you re-read our interview and listen to one of his latest tracks, “Silhouette,” which caused quite a stir. 

DON BIGG x REDA TALIANI: L’ÉTRANGER

A pivotal figure in Moroccan rap, Don Bigg has just collaborated with the raï singer Reda Taliani. For better or worse? We’ll let you judge for yourself. 

DRAGANOV – WILI

Well-established in the music scene since 2014 – when he won the Génération Mawazine competition – the rapper from Oujda is one of the brightest of his generation. He has more than one string to his bow, as he quickly establishes himself as a singer and producer. Special mention for his clips, always with a very personal aesthetic. 

DIZZY DROS – M3A L3ECHRANE

5 million views in 48 hours, reaching 12 million views in four months…these are the latest audience figures for the new track by rapper, composer, and producer Dizzy Dros. Who said Moroccan rap was has-been? 

TAGNE – HELMA

Moroccan-Cameroonian, Tagne got into rap when he was young. He even released his first track at the age of 15. He hasn’t let go of the mic since, and we love his comforting flow. Good news: his next album is out on June 23! 

DOLLYPRAN – N13

With his colorful swag and captivating tone, Dollypran is one of the favorites of the editorial team. A crush on his latest track, “N13,” and his meticulously crafted punchlines. 

7LIWA – HALLELUJAH

A sort of free spirit in the Moroccan hip-hop scene, 7liwa is known for his love of clashes and his unique portrayal of street culture.

OUENZA – LA TETE

Ouenza is a bit like the ideal son-in-law of Moroccan rap, someone who should appeal to you and your mother-in-law alike. Doubting it? We love everything about his latest mixtape “Alan,” which we’re listening to on repeat.

SHOBEE – POWER                      Moroccan Rap

The half of the Shayfeen duo (on which we recommend watching the excellent documentary “Wa Drari”) has just delivered a very impressive performance at COLORS. We’ll let you admire it.

Read also : OUR ANTI-BACK-TO-SCHOOL 2024 BLUES PLAYLIST TO SURVIVE THE YEAR

BONUS: ISSAM: WRA TABI3A     Moroccan Rap

A truly unique figure in the Moroccan rap game, Issam has won us over with his aesthetic that’s part melancholic and part psychedelic. We’re eagerly awaiting the release of his next album. 

After a start to the year filled with artistic events (1-54 in Marrakech, Marrakech International Film Festival, Heritage Days in Casablanca), it’s time to give sunny days the welcome they deserve: on the dance floor. Thanks to the lineup of festivals in 2023, outdoor parties and music blasting our eardrums are on the horizon in Morocco (and beyond). On the beach, in the desert, on the grass under a starry sky, or in a historically rich city… Here are five events that will make you want to groove all night long (and beyond).

Moga Festival – May 31 to June 4

Among the most anticipated festivals in 2023 in Morocco we must mention the Moga Festival. In just four editions, this event has established itself as one of the hottest gatherings for electronic music enthusiasts. The festival has been so well-received that it even expanded to Portugal two years ago, with a new format. While we await the lineup for the Moroccan edition, if you’re feeling adventurous, we highly recommend heading to Costa da Caparica next weekend. With its eclectic lineup, wild parties on a boat or right on the beach, it’s hard to imagine a better way to kick off the summer.

Price: Starting from around 520 DH for a day pass
Moga Festival

 

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Lost Nomads – June 3

Who hasn’t been tempted by the idea of partying in the desert? If you haven’t experienced it yet, here’s your chance next weekend at Lost Nomads in Agafay. Nawfal, Birds of Mind, Pablo Fierro, Mr ID, and Kawtar Sadik will take turns at the turntables throughout the evening. The headliner – South Korean DJ Peggy Gou – will keep you awake until the early hours. And that’s perfect ; the sunrise over the hills will be one of the highlights of the event.

Price: Starting from 1320 DH
Lost Nomads

 

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Une publication partagée par 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 (@lostnomadsfestival)

Jazzablanca – June 22 to 24

For the second year in a row, Jazzablanca is taking place at Anfa Park. From June 22 to 24, the artists of the 16th edition of this essential festival in the White City will perform in the open air. Who’s on the bill? The afrobeat orchestra Antibalas will perform with Mehdi Nassouli, while Mika, Beth Hart, and Aloe Blacc will showcase their vocal talents. Discofunk group Nile Rodgers & Chic will liven up the park, and the rock group La Femme will bring a welcomed “French touch” to this international lineup. The highlight? The quartet led by Moroccan jazzman Ismail Sentissi, sure to please fans of more intimate atmospheres.

Price: Passes range from 590 to 1650 DH
Jazzablanca

 

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Festival Gnaoua: June 22 to 24

Twenty-four. That’s the number for the upcoming edition of the Gnaoua Festival, which will take place in Essaouira from June 22 to 24. After the nomadic blend last year, which saw various artists perform in multiple cities throughout the kingdom, the event returns to Mogador in 2023. Attendees will listen to different groups and maâlems (virtuosos) performing on the various festival stages scattered throughout the city. Among the headliners: Gnawa Diffusion, Ky-Mani Marley, maâlems Hamid El Kasri, Mohamed Kouyou, Majid Bekkas, and Hassan Boussou. This makes for three days of evening celebrations that will delight those who love falling into a musical trance.

Price: Passes range between 250 and 800 DH
Festival Gnaoua

 

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Photo (c) : Moga Festival