Beur/Maghribi musical interventions in France: rai and rap

Abstract

The article examines three songs from the rai and rap domains which have all, to varying degrees, been hits in France: 'Partir Loin' by 113 with Reda Taliani, 'Don't Panik' by Médine, and 'Même Pas Fatigué' by Khaled with Magic System. The songs raise a number of critical concerns for young North Africans and Muslims living in France and the Maghreb, including: Islamophobic and racist media representations, migration, police violence and social discrimination against banlieue youth, intolerant French secularism, and multi-culturalism. It is through creative interventions such as these that Maghrebis in France are bringing their culture and their socio-political issues to a wider French public.