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Quick Facts
Born
1978
1978
From
Morocco
Morocco
Journey
Oum El Ghaït Ben Essahraoui, widely known as Oum, is one of Morocco’s most compelling contemporary voices. Born in Casablanca and originally set to become an architect, she pivoted toward a musical career that would position her as both a cultural icon at home and an artistic ambassador abroad. Her early work "Lik’Oum" (2009) and "Sweerty" (2012) gained widespread attention in Morocco, aligning her with the Nayda movement, a cultural renaissance among the country’s youth.
A turning point came when Oum began composing in Darija, the Moroccan Arabic dialect. This linguistic choice deepened the emotional and poetic resonance of her lyrics and unlocked new musicality in her voice. Her first internationally released album, "Soul of Morocco" (2013), introduced her to European audiences as a generous and authentic performer. Blending traditional Arab and Sahraoui music with soul, jazz, and subtle electronic textures, her sound defies borders while remaining deeply grounded in African heritage.
Oum’s 2015 release, "Zarabi," recorded near the Sahara Desert, further explored themes of environmental preservation and the dignity of traditional communities. With "Daba" (2019), produced by Palestinian artist Kamilya Jubran and recorded in Berlin, Oum reached new creative heights. The album’s title, meaning “Now” in Darija, reflects a sense of urgency and presence, blending atmospheric soundscapes with rhythms that invite dance and connection. Through minimal yet profound lyrics, she addresses spirituality, feminism, environmentalism, and a yearning for unity in a fragmented world.
Firmly identifying as Moroccan, African, and a citizen of the world, Oum rejects cultural barriers and embraces music as a tool for healing and shared human experience. Her art is both timeless and timely, a balance of the sacred and the immediate, the eternal and the now. Through her voice and vision, Oum offers not just songs but a philosophy of togetherness, resilience, and hope.