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; born in 1960) is a famous Moroccan singer, songwriter, and composer. She is known for her powerful voice and for singing about the lives of Moroccan women. Her music often mixes traditional Moroccan sounds with modern styles.
One of her songs, "Goul El Hak El Mout Kaina," was even used by the popular music group the Chemical Brothers in their 2004 song "Galvanize."
Contents
Early Life and Dreams
Najat Aâtabou was born on May 9, 1960, in Khémisset, Morocco. She grew up in a family with many brothers and sisters. When she was young, she dreamed of becoming a lawyer. However, her love for singing led her down a different path.
She loved to sing everywhere, even on her way to school. By the time she was thirteen, she would secretly sing at local weddings and school parties to earn some money. At one of these parties, a friend recorded her singing. This recording was shared and her song "J'en ai marre" (which means "I've had enough" in French) became very popular across Morocco.
A Difficult Choice
When Najat's family found out about her singing, they were not happy. Her brothers even threatened her if she continued. Frightened, she decided to leave home. She went to a local music shop, hoping to find help there.
By chance, a famous Moroccan music producer named Mustapha El Mils walked into the shop. He had heard "J'en ai marre" and was looking for her. He asked her to trust him and come to Casablanca, another big city in Morocco. With no other options, she went with him. She lived with his mother for three years. Eventually, her family found her and accepted her choice to pursue music.
Music Career and Impact
Najat Aâtabou became a singer and songwriter of Chaabi music. This style of music is very popular in Morocco. Through her songs, she shared stories about modern Moroccan women. She also worked to support women's rights in her country.
Popular Songs
In 1992, she had a huge hit song called "Hedi Kedba Bayna". The title means "This Lie is Obvious" in Arabic. It tells the story of a woman dealing with a difficult situation in her relationship.
Another important song, "Choufi Ghirou," was released in 1984. This song, which means "Go Find Another Guy" in Arabic, talked about relationships that were not allowed in Morocco. Her music often started important discussions about social issues and helped bring about improvements for women. She sings in several languages, including Moroccan Arabic, Berber, and French.
Najat Aâtabou was also featured in a film called "Morocco Swings." This movie is about different generations of Moroccan singers.
Personal Life
Najat Aâtabou is married to Hassan Dikouk, who is also a music producer. They have three children together. Today, she 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
