Meet Tagne: The rapper and singer taking Moroccan music to the world 

Tagne released his debut album “LMAKTOUB” in June. (Supplied)
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Updated 11 August 2023
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Meet Tagne: The rapper and singer taking Moroccan music to the world 

DUBAI: At long last, the world has finally lent its ears to Morocco. After decades as an underground scene, the country’s hip-hop community is currently thriving, with star rapper Tagne — along with his contemporary and collaborator ElGrandeToto — dominating both the regional charts and finding a footing across Europe, earning a dedicated following in France, the Netherlands, and Germany.  

For Tagne, who released his debut album “LMAKTOUB” in June (he classifies 2020’s “Moroccan Dream” as a mixtape), the rise of Moroccan rap is not a matter of luck, it’s the culmination of his shared vision for what it could become once it consciously emerged from the shadows.   

“Previously, Moroccan rappers didn’t really take risks. They didn’t understand how to move forward,” Tagne tells Arab News. “But now, it’s truly changed, and rappers here have gotten truly inventive with their flow, melodies, and production.  

“Before, Moroccan music was very insular, and not a lot of them would collaborate with international artists. Now, it’s transformed, and international artists and labels are chasing us to do features. It’s the start of something huge.” 

It’s fitting that Tagne, who was just chosen to be the first artist from the MENA region to participate in the global Spotify Singles program, has emerged as a leader for the now-internationally minded Moroccan rap scene. After all, he’s the product of two vastly different cultures, with a Cameroonian father and Moroccan mother, both of whom had a strong influence on his upbringing and subsequent musical output.  

“This mix taught me at a young age not to be closed off to the cultures and religions of others, to be open-minded and not to judge people's mentalities,” he says. “Everyone comes from a different background. My paternal family is quite different from my maternal family, but I adapt to both, just as I've listened to both musically. I've been exposed to all the well-known classic Arabic songs since my childhood, as well as African music, which has also influenced me. So, for me, it's a rich blend.” 

Born in Casablanca in 1997, Tagne first developed his ever-expanding musical palate at home, with favorites such as Moroccan singer Latifa Raafat and Congolese legend Koffi Olomide. His emerging eclectic taste then led him to look outward to see what his hometown had to offer. 

“Casablanca is a huge city; it teaches you to be resourceful from a young age, not to let yourself be walked over, to challenge the unknown. I believe it's thanks to this city that I took my first steps in this field,” Tagne says. 

At 13, he snuck onto a local bus — without enough money for the fare — trying to reach the city’s Yasmina Park, where he could show off the freestyle skills he’d been developing in his bedroom. It was there that he found the support he craved, pushing him to improve and giving him an outlet for the mental anguish he hadn’t yet learned how to deal with. 

“I experienced a challenging adolescence, facing issues both at school and on the streets. Family life was no easy task and, socially, things became increasingly difficult. Rap provided me with a means to express myself and voice what was in my heart in my own way. Writing lyrics unconsciously turned into a form of therapy for me, and gradually my passion for making music paved the path to my career,” says Tagne.  

Though he quickly earned respect in the local community, the rapper did not immediately pursue a solo career. First, he founded the group XACTO with fellow rhymesmith Madd before joining the popular collective known as Wa Drari Squad. While the latter group brought him fame and national attention, plugging him into the upper echelon of the country’s evolving scene, it eventually became clear that the experience was holding him back, forcing him to make the difficult choice to break out on his own. 

“We had a great time with Wa Drari Squad, sharing good and tough moments. This experience brought me to the real music industry for the first time, and helped me understand its workings. I even discovered my musical abilities beyond rapping, realizing I could sing. But I felt the urge to assume control of myself. At a certain point, I realized that I needed to forge my own musical freedom,” Tagne explains. 

The move was thrilling, but also terrifying — a fear he quickly learned was justified. While initially hopeful about all the possibilities that breaking out on his own opened up for him, there was a stark reality before him: He was broke, no longer had a crew to support him, and, in many ways, he was starting from scratch. He realized he would not only have to forge new connections, he would have to mature as a person. 

“I honestly was very stressed back then — not to mention dirt poor,” Tagne says with a laugh. “I’ve really grown from who I was in that moment, and the process of making my music has changed drastically. In a lot of ways, it’s become easier. It’s still a lot of work, but the actual flow now comes so much more naturally.” 

He kept telling himself that better things were written in the stars for him. It’s what pushed him to become the man he is today — and inspired the name of his new album. 

“‘L’Mektoub’ is an Arabic saying, something that we all say, basically meaning ‘God has written this for you.’ I was really going through a tough time three years ago, but I was always focused in following my path. God paves my road, so I just keep driving. If it works, it works. But if it doesn’t work, I’ll try again, and I’ll try even harder,” says Tagne.  

After “Moroccan Dream” — released at the height of his struggles — lifted his spirits as well as his profile on the world stage, his intentions with “LMAKTOUB” were to crystalize all that he believed Moroccan hip-hop could be. To complete the project, he successfully recruited collaborators not only from his own country, such as ElGrandeToto, but those from the countries in which his music had begun to catch on, including popular French artists Kaaris, Niro, and NEJ. 

“On my own, I've learned the value of discipline and self-motivation during challenging times. This experience has helped me shape my own way of doing things and put together my own structure. I've even taken the step of setting up my own company. But, all along, I've never overlooked the strength of being part of a team. I've always grasped how crucial a team can be in reaching our goals. That's why I've got my own crew around me, kind of like how it was when I was part of a group,” says Tagne. 

“The underlying goal hasn't changed: to tap into diverse viewpoints. Just like in group dynamics, these outside opinions bring me a broader understanding, fresh ideas, and a valuable sense of perspective. Next, I want to collaborate with Egyptian rappers, Nigerian rappers, and German rappers — Albanians too. I’ve been focused on making the best stuff from Morocco with Moroccan artists, but I want to take another step forward in becoming more international and amplifying the conversation across the world,” he continues. “For me, and for Morocco, this is only the beginning.” 


Primark to open 3 stores in the UAE 

Updated 08 May 2025
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Primark to open 3 stores in the UAE 

DUBAI: Primark is officially making its way to Dubai, marking its debut in the UAE after years of rumors about the popular store’s launch in the country. 
The popular budget retailer is partnering with retail giant Alshaya Group to open three stores in Dubai, as announced by Alshaya Group CEO John Hadden on Virgin Radio Dubai’s Kris Fade Show. 
Set to launch in early 2026, the stores will be located at Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif.
“Price is the same. We’re going to do jeans at a starting price of AED 50 and a basic t-shirt will be AED 15,” Hadden said on the show. “I’m so excited I can’t sustain it. It’s just brilliant.”
Primark’s regional debut is set for The Avenues Mall in Kuwait, with the store expected to open by late 2025. Following that, the brand will expand to Dubai as its next stop in the Middle East.
Primark began 55 years ago in Dublin, Ireland, where it originally opened under the name Penneys. Since then, it has grown to operate 450 stores worldwide.
With a presence in 15 European countries and 16 locations in the United States, the brand offers a wide range of products including clothing for women, men and children, as well as cosmetics, home goods and accessories.


Diwan Kitchen brings Saudi soul to North London

Updated 08 May 2025
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Diwan Kitchen brings Saudi soul to North London

  • The UK capital’s latest Saudi restaurant drew the crowds for its opening night

LONDON: North London just got a little warmer. On May 1, at 510 Holloway Rd, the heart of the Kingdom found a new home in the UK capital. With oud music drifting through the air and the scent of spiced lamb and simmering wheat pulling people in from the street, Diwan Kitchen opened its doors to the public.

The new Saudi restaurant isn't just serving food. It’s telling stories.

The interiors are a soft, glowing tribute to the Kingdom’s past. From carved wood panels evoking the mudbrick homes of Najd, to vibrant fabrics and lanterns echoing the coastal souqs of Hijaz, every corner of Diwan Kitchen feels like a page from a living history book.

Guests on the restaurant's opening night. (AN Photo)

Those traditional mudbrick homes of Najd, designed to keep cool in scorching summers and warm in desert winters, weren’t just shelters; they were social spaces, built around courtyards, where family, memory, and hospitality were the foundation of daily life.

“We wanted to show people what traditional Saudi dining is like” Adem Nasraddin, co-founder of the restaurant, told Arab News. “There’s a rhythm to Saudi life. A scent, a pace, a flavor. We bottled that feeling and served it on a plate.”

And what a plate it is. The tasting menu is a culinary journey across the Kingdom. You can start in Hijaz, with motabag — pan-fried pastries that are light and crisp and deeply comforting. Whether filled with spiced vegetables, gooey cheese, or minced beef, each bite transports you to a Jeddah street corner at sunset.

There’s foul medammas, a creamy mash of fava beans seasoned the Hijazi way: with garlic, lemon, and cumin. And tamees bread; hot and soft, made for tearing and sharing — just as it should be.

The restaurant serves authentic Saudi cuisine. (AN Photo)

The main courses venture into the windswept heartlands of Najd, with jareesh, a dish made from crushed wheat, simmered with tomatoes and onion, that tastes like something a Bedouin grandmother would proudly serve you under an open sky. Alongside it is marqooq, a rich, flat-dough stew that has nourished generations through long desert nights.

Of course, no Saudi table would be complete without rice. Diners can choose between kabsa — the fragrant national treasure of the central regions — and mandi, with its delicate smoke, hailing from the misty mountains of Asir and the southern valleys.

Then comes saleeg, a creamy rice dish from Taif, cooked in milk and broth and topped with tender chicken. It's the kind of meal that slows you down, insisting you stay a little longer.

“My experience has been that it’s completely authentic,” one Saudi guest, Fahad Habib, told Arab News. “It feels like I’m back home.”

Beyond the menu, Diwan Kitchen is a space built on memory and modernity. Saudi music played at the launch, and as guests chatted over cardamom coffee and dates, the atmosphere was part-family gathering, part-culinary pilgrimage.

The opening night drew a mixed crowd — Saudis living in London, curious neighbors from Holloway Road, and food lovers eager to explore a cuisine that’s still underrepresented in the UK. For many, it was more than just a meal; it was a chance to connect with a culture through flavor, memory, and setting.


Best and Worst: Saudi presenter Ftoon Marwan talks family, freedom and fashion

Updated 08 May 2025
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Best and Worst: Saudi presenter Ftoon Marwan talks family, freedom and fashion

DUBAI: The Saudi presenter and content creator discusses fashion and how family and freedom have influenced her journey. 

Best TV show or film you’ve ever seen?    

The best TV show? “The Walking Dead.” I’ve watched it more than six times. I’m crazy about this show. I’ve been watching it since I was little kid. For movies, I like “Life or Something Like It” with Angelina Jolie. I’ve also been watching it since I was a child. The story of the movie is very nice.  

Worst TV show or film you’ve ever seen?   

“It.” I hate that movie. I don’t understand, are they trying to make kids scared of clowns? They’re already afraid of them. To me the idea is stupid.  

Best personal style moment so far?    

My mom actually does all of my styling. I could get a stylist, but my mom is honestly the best. I like all the outfits she chooses for me. At one event I was emceeing I was wearing a fuchsia dress. It was so bright. I was shining among everyone. I love this outfit!  

Worst personal style moment?    

I don’t have a worst style moment to be honest. There’s a saying in Arabic that means “There is a right moment for everything.” I don’t judge my style that harshly.  

Best accessory for a little black dress?    

A gold belt with simple gold earrings and accessories. All gold. Simple, simple, simple. For heels, it has to be gold. I have gold heels that I love so much. They work with everything!  

Worst accessory for a little black dress?  

Everything matches black. So, I do not think there is a worst accessory. It’s the king of colors.  

Best fashion trend of 2025?    

Statement accessories like bold bags and chunky jewelry. I like when they are out there and obvious, but the outfit itself has to be simple. Accessories give life to the outfit, you know?   

Worst fashion trend of 2025?    

Tiny bags, who wears them anymore? I can’t put anything inside them! It’s a stupid idea.  

Best advice you’ve ever been given?   

Focus on your health, family, money and work. I’d say focus especially on your family. Your mother and father brought you into this world with the hope of raising a child they could be proud of and honored by in front of others. My parents dedicated their entire lives to raising us to become the best versions of ourselves.   

Worst advice you’ve ever been given? 

“Get married early so we can see your kids.” Someone once proposed to me and said that. Thankfully my family said no. I truly appreciated it. They said no to make me free to do whatever I want whenever I want. 

Best thing to do when you’re feeling low?    

When I go to the beach, I swear I am the happiest creature in the world. Also, when I was a little kid, I used to tell my parents to take me ice skating whenever I felt low. This habit stuck with me until now. It gave me really good balance.  

Worst thing to do when you’re feeling good?    

Oversharing my feelings and my money. I’ll go spend my money on my friends and family. My mom keeps telling me: “Stop, you’ll need this money someday.” But I always tell her what goes comes around in double. That’s my motto.   

Best holiday destination?    

Dubai. I really love it. I lived most of my childhood there. I also like Germany. I went there in 2013 with my whole family. It was so nice. Honestly, I remember every moment of it. 

Worst holiday destination?   

I’ve never been to Egypt, but my family were saying they didn’t like it because of the situations they they’ve been in there. 

Best subject at school?  

I used to enjoy history, archaeology and science. Then in college, I did archaeology and tourism. It was meant to be. It was so me.  

Worst subject at school?   

Math, math, math. I remember a lot of Ds and one F.  


Summer’s hottest box-office hits 

Updated 08 May 2025
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Summer’s hottest box-office hits 

DUBAI: From super-fast cars to superhero stars, some of the blockbusters due in the next few months 

‘Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning’ 

Director: Christopher McQuarrie 

Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames 

Ethan Hawke is back in this direct sequel to 2023’s “Dead Reckoning — Part One.” It continues the story of Hawke and his crew’s battle against the Entity — a rogue AI capable of controlling Earth’s defense and financial networks. After the relatively poor box-office performance of “Dead Reckoning,” this needs to be a big hit, or else it really might — as the name implies but as no one yet believes — be the final outing for Cruise in one of the most iconic action roles in cinema history. Due out May 22. 

‘Lilo & Stitch’ 

Director: Dean Fleischer Camp 

Starring: Maia Kealoha, Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Zach Galifianakis 

Live-action remake of Disney’s 2002 animation about a young orphan girl (Lilo) who befriends Stitch, a dog-like alien who, unbeknownst to Lilo, is genetically engineered to be a destructive force. Lilo hopes that Stitch can help with the troubles she is having with child protective services, who are threatening to separate her from her older sister Nani. But if he’s going to do that, then together they will have to keep him safe from the aliens hunting for him. Chris Sanders, writer and director of the original movie, returns as the voice of Stitch. Due out May 22. 

‘The Phoenician Scheme’ 

Director: Wes Anderson 

Starring: Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera 

This new feature from one of the world’s most singular filmmakers is a darkly humorous thriller in which wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda decides to make his somewhat estranged daughter Liesl (a nun, and the only female among Korda’s 10 children) the sole heir to his fortune after surviving the latest in several attempts on his life. That fortune depends greatly on the success of a land-expansion project he’s been planning for years. The two of them team up with Korda’s Norwegian tutor Bjorn to complete the project at great risk to themselves. Due out May 29. 

‘F1’ 

Director: Joseph Kosinski 

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon 

Sports drama whose makers have trumpeted the realism granted by its collaboration with the governing body of the F1 World Championship. Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a former F1 driver who retired following a horrific crash in the Nineties. His friend — and F1 team owner — Ruben Cervantes persuades him to come out of retirement in order to mentor the team’s rookie prodigy Joshua Pearce. Due out June 26. 

‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ 

Director: Gareth Edwards 

Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey 

Sequel to 2022’s “Jurassic World Dominion,” set five years on from the events of that film. Few dinosaurs have managed to survive. The ones that have are generally to be found in remote tropical areas. Covert operative Zora Bennett is hired by a pharmaceutical company to accompany its team on a secret mission to acquire the DNA of the largest remaining prehistoric species from land, sea and air respectively, which the company claims holds the key to a miracle drug that will save billions of lives. Due out July 3 

‘Superman’ 

Director: James Gunn 

Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult 

As DC looks to launch its own cinematic universe to rival Marvel’s, it makes sense it would begin with a reboot of the Superman franchise. The eponymous hero, who spends his non-Superman time as mild-mannered journalist Clark Kent, has been described by producer Peter Safran as “the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way.” The movie apparently finds Superman attempting to reconcile his alien heritage with his adoptive human family. Due out July 11. 

‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ 

Director: Matt Shakman 

Starring: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach 

Marvel Studios are hoping it’s third time lucky for The Fantastic Four, this being the second reboot of the series. It’s also the opening of Phase Six(!) of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film is set in a Sixties-inspired parallel Earth, which the eponymous team of heroes — Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic; his wife Sue Storm/Invisible Woman; her brother Johnny Storm/Human Torch; and Reed’s best friend Ben Grimm/The Thing — must protect from the planet-devouring being Galactus. Due out July 25. 

 

 

 

 


Four songs to stream before Guns ‘N Roses hits the stage in Riyadh

Updated 18 sec ago
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Four songs to stream before Guns ‘N Roses hits the stage in Riyadh

DUBAI: As legendary US rock band Guns 'N Roses prepares to take to the stage at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena on May 23 to kick off their 2025 world tour, we’ve rounded up four of their hits to stream before the show.

The Kingdom Arena gig will be the first show of a 24-gig tour. The iconic band will also play in Bahrain at Beyon Al-Dana Amphitheater on May 20, 2025, and in Abu Dhabi at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, on May 27, 2025.

‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’ (1990)

This ballad has all the wonder of the Bob Dylan original, with epic Guns ‘N Roses flair to boot.

‘Paradise City’ (1987)

With one of the most recognizable choruses in rock history, fans can expect to belt “Take me down to the paradise city, where the grass is green and the girls are pretty” at the Riyadh concert on May 23.

‘November Rain’ (1991)

The epic ballad came with an equally emotional music video.

‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’ (1987)

No Guns 'N Roses tracklist would be complete without this anthem, a favorite of air guitar afficionados everywhere.