Najat Aatabou facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Najat Aâtabou
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| نجاة اعتابو | |
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| Born | 9 May 1960 Khémisset, Morocco
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| Nationality | Moroccan |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Composer |
| Known for | Hadi Kedba Bayna |
| Spouse(s) | Hassan Dikouk |
Najat Aâtabou (Arabic: نجاة اعتابو) is a famous singer, songwriter, and composer from Morocco. She was born in 1960. Her music is known for telling stories about Moroccan women and their lives. You might have even heard a bit of her music without knowing it! Her song "Goul El Hak El Mout Kayna" was used by the popular music group the Chemical Brothers in their 2004 hit song "Galvanize".
Contents
Najat Aâtabou's Early Life
Najat Aâtabou was born on May 9, 1960, in Khémisset, Morocco. She grew up in a family with many siblings, having five brothers and four sisters. When she was young, Najat dreamed of becoming a lawyer.
However, her true passion was singing. She loved to sing everywhere, even on her way to school each morning. By the time she was thirteen, Najat started singing at local weddings and school parties. She would sneak out of her house to perform and earn some money.
A Secret Recording
One day, at a party, a friend secretly recorded Najat's singing. This tape was then sold without her knowledge across Morocco. A song from the tape, called "J'en ai marre" (which means "I've had enough of it" in French), became very popular.
When her family found out about her singing, they were not happy. Her brothers were very upset and did not want her to continue. Feeling scared, Najat decided to leave home. She went to a local music shop, hoping to find help there.
Meeting a Music Producer
By chance, a famous Moroccan music producer named Mustapha El Mils walked into that same shop. He had heard "J'en ai marre" and was looking for Najat. He asked her to trust him and come with him to Casablanca, another big city in Morocco.
Najat had no other choice, so she went to Casablanca. She lived there for three years with the music producer's mother. After this time, her family found her. They eventually accepted her choice to pursue music.
Najat Aâtabou's Music Career
Najat Aâtabou became a popular singer and songwriter of Chaabi music. This type of music often tells stories about everyday life. Najat used her songs to talk about the lives of modern Moroccan women. She also tried to help improve feminism (equal rights for women) in her country.
Famous Songs and Their Meanings
In 1992, Najat had her biggest hit song, "Hedi Kedba Bayna". This song is about a woman whose husband is not being honest with her. The title means "This Lie is Obvious" in Arabic.
Another important song, "Choufi Ghirou," was released in 1984. It means "Go Find Another Guy" in Arabic. This song talks about women who are in relationships with married men, which is against the law in Morocco. Najat's songs have often started important discussions about social issues and women's rights in Morocco. She sings in Moroccan Arabic, Berber, and French.
Najat Aâtabou is also featured in a film called "Morocco Swings." This movie is about different generations of Moroccan singers.
Najat Aâtabou's Personal Life
Najat Aâtabou is married to Hassan Dikouk, who is also a music producer. They have three children together. Today, Najat lives in a home in the south of France and continues to record new songs.
Albums
- 1991: The Voice of the Atlas (Globe Style)
- 1997: Country Girls & City Women (Rounder/Universal)
- 1998: Najat Aâtabou (La Fa Mi)
- 2001: La Diva marocaine (La Fa Mi)
See also
In Spanish: Najat Aatabou para niños
