Tunisian music has a very important part in Tunisian culture. Tunisian people love good music and dance! So, you might want to know some of the greatest singers in Tunisia. Here, I have presented 10 Tunisian musicians you need to know. I have chosen a mixture of old and traditional Tunisian music and also newer songs. So, without wasting any time further, let’s get to know the Tunisian singers, that you must know about.
10 Tunisian musicians, you need to know
Balti – Tunisian rapper
Mohamed Salad Balti, better known as Balti is a Tunisian rapper. He began his music career already in the year 2002. But he has only become very popular in recent years. In 2017, he released the single Ya Lili feat. Hamouda. The song has become one of the most viewed Tunisian music videos on YouTube. It’s also extremely popular in the Arabic world. In this song, Balti is tackling the problems of Tunisian society, and difficulties in relationships which leads to violence. Among the Tunisian rappers, Balti has become one of my favorites. Balti’s songs are a perfect way to start your week.
Klay BBJ
Tunisian artist Ahmed Ben Ahmed, known also as Klay BBJ is famous for his rap music. Shortly after the Tunisian revolution 2014, he makes his first duet with Tunisian rapper Mohamed Amine Hamzaoui. Through the years Klay BBJ has gained great popularity. Especially among young people. His music is known for being strongly worded. Mainly, criticizing the situation in Tunisian and its’ government. As a result, he has been arrested a couple of times. Listen to Klay BBJ songs if you are looking for “traditional” Tunisian rap.
Fatma Boussaha - Star of Tunisian music Mezwed
Fatma Boussaha was a star of traditional Tunisian music Mezwed. This kind of music is very popular at Tunisian weddings and parties. Tunisian drums Darbouka and bagpipes Mizwads are an essential part of Mezwed Music. Boussaha was born in 1942 in small-town Zaghouan, located in northern Tunisian. In 1999, she published a song Achibeni Wassaa, that made her famous. The singer passed away in 2015, but her songs will remain an important part of Tunisian music culture. If you are interested in traditional Tunisian music, check Fatma Boussaha!
Hedi Habbouba - Modernizer of Tunisian music
Like Fatma Boussaha, also Hedi Habbouba is famous for traditional Tunisian music Mezwed. Habbouba made his debut in Mezwed music in 1950. And started his professional career in 1975. He is famous for the modernization of Mezwed music. He had a strong impact on Mezwed music: dressing, musical, and choreography. In short, it has been said that Mezwed music wasn’t the same after Habbouba’s touch. He has made a collection of 300 songs and worked as a composer. Start discovering his music and see the difference between his style and Fatma Boussaha.
Naama - Queen of Tunisian music
Naama’s live concert in Hammamet 2018, was my first concert experience in Tunisia. Back then, I didn’t know who she was or what kind of music she plays. Halima Echeikh, better known as Naama is the most famous Tunisian singer and a queen of Tunisian pop music. She started her singing at age 11 and had a rich artistic career. For decades, she performed in events, festivals, celebrations, and parties. Bringing joy to people with her magnificent collection of 360 songs. Her songs are an essential part of Tunisian music, so it’s a perfect way to start discovering Tunisian music.
In the concert 2018, other artists were mainly singing her songs. Naama had also a short appearance on stage. In 2020, she passed away at age 86.
Lotfi Bouchnak - Star of traditional Tunisian music
When I started to discover Tunisian musicians. One of the first ones I started to listening was Lotfi Bouchnak. He is not only a famous Tunisian singer. But also known for composing oud playing, and is a well-known celebrity in Tunisia. He is a star of traditional Tunisian music, who has strong singing skills. For instance, he has been said to be one of the best tenors in the Arab world. His music has been used also in tv-series and movies.
Thekra
Thekra/ Dhikra was an outstanding Tunisian singer. Known for her ability to sing many kinds of Arabic music genres. Firstly, she was famous in the West side of the Arab world. After the album Wehyati Andak, she became well-known all over the Arab world. Her collection includes songs written in Tunisian dialect, Egyptian Arabic, and Gulf Arabic. The singer’s life got a sad ending when she was murdered during her stay in Egypt. A suspect of the murder was her husband, but there are also some conspiracy theories around her death.
Latifa - Known for Tunisian pop music
If you want to listen to Tunisian pop music, check Latifa. She is a great Tunisian singer who started her career in Egypt. Firstly, Latifa became famous in Egypt. Afterward, she started singing pop music and the whole Arab world fell in love with her. She has been singing mainly in Arabic but made also some songs in French. She also made a new rai song, which is traditionally sung by men. Latifa has given a lot of joy to people through her songs. And that’s not all, she is taking part in humanitarian projects and charity.
Emel Mathlouthi - Tunisian protest singer
Emel Mathlouthi is an amazing Tunisian singer-songwriter. Mathlouthi was invited to perform in Oslo city Hall, during the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony 2015. The performed song Kelmti Horra has become an anthem of the Tunisian revolution. This song was also her breakthrough. Happens to be that Kelmti Horra was the first Arabic song performed in the Nobel ceremony.
She has published music in Tunisian, English, and French. One of her latest songs Holm, singed in Tunisian, has become very popular on YouTube. Emel has a great website, so check it out! There you can find lyrics to some of her songs.
JenJoon
Tunisian rap and pop music artist JenJoon started his career in 2005. The beginning of his career hasn’t been easy for him. Now he is one of the top-listened Tunisian artists. On YouTube, his songs have been listened already 135 million times. JenJoon is an artist whose production you should not skip. Listen to the song Hayala, it’s one of his most listened to songs.
I hope that this list of 10 Tunisian musicians you need to know, gives joy to your days. Who is your favorite Tunisian musician?
Here are a couple of more post, that you might want to read!
Travel guide for the first-time traveler to Tunisia
Guidelines for smoking, drinking and partying in Tunisia
The weather in Tunisia: The best time to visit
