Chaabi (Morocco)

Not to be confused with Algerian Chaabi.

Chaabi refers to several types of popular music of Morocco, combining rural and urban folk music.

Rural varieties include Jerra and Aïta. Several artists performing this genre are known, such as Hajib, Stati, Najat Aatabou, Senhaji and Khalid Bennani.

Urban varieties are called Sahli. They are performed by the few Urban and Jewish artists, such as Abdessadeq Cheqara, Haim Botbol and Pinhas Cohen.

Nowadays, Moroccan Cha'âby style is being fused with that of Rai (Rai - Cha'âby), and has attracted thousands of people. Algerian Rai child prodigy, Cheb Anouar, often sings Najat Aatabou's songs. There is a very common relationship between Rai and the present Moroccan Cha'âby. Daoudi is also noted to have performed "Chreiky" extraordinarily with Cheb Bilal. Said Senhaji, has dueted with Reda Taliani. Zina Daoudia has performed with Cheba Zahouania. Other singers like Hamid El Qasry has performed with Cheb Khaled. Also, Faadhel Al Mazrou'eây (Khaleeji singer) has become famous with his Khaleeji-Cha'âby song "Le'khyan Jani" and "Ya Saheby" (featuring Said Senhaji). Emna Fakher, Tunisian singer, has covered the star song of Najat Aatabou "J'en Ai Marre".