Khtek’s ‘Ftila’ is a Powerful Celebration of Moroccan Femininity

Deriving her stage name 'Khtek' from the arabic word for 'your sister', 24 year-old student and rapper Houda Abouz channels writing as a “passion” and  “defence mechanism” against a patriarchal society, according to a recent interview with Reuters. 

Rapping seamlessly across three languages, Khtek expertly flows between Morroccan Arabic dialects and occasional touches of French and English. First hitting the scene with the intense trap anthem ‘KickOff’, Khtek has been steadily collecting accolades for her almost-always viral music videos, with the latest one for ‘Ftila’ racking up nearly 400,000 views on youtube in just under three days. 

Produced by fellow moroccan Mobench, the instrumental for ‘Ftila’ combines hard-hitting trap sensibilities with a soulful guitar sample and simple wooden percussion. Frantic, stuttering hi-hats, and distorted, drill-inspired 808 hits provide much of the forward energy as Khtek raps at breakneck pace, surrounded by a cadre of some of Morocco’s rising female artists and models; a striking imagine in what is ultimately a celebration of Morocco’s women and powerful feminine energy.