Manal Benchlikha – A Famous Moroccan Singer , Songwriter

Paul | December 1, 2023 | Entertainment, Morocco | No Comments

Manal Benchlikha (Arabic: منال بنشليخة; born 18 September 1993), better known by her first name Manal, is a Moroccan pop singer-songwriter.

Manal Benchlikha, widely known by her stage name Manal, is a prominent Moroccan singer-songwriter and urban pop performer renowned for her contemporary approach to Arabic music. Her distinctive style is a fusion of diverse influences, setting her apart in the musical landscape.

Embarking on her solo journey in 2015, Manal made an impactful debut with the track “Denia,” securing the title of “best female artist in North Africa” at the 2015 Africa Music Awards. Since then, she has consistently released compelling songs, showcasing her versatility and creativity. In 2021, Manal unveiled her album “360,” contributing to her growing discography.

Earning recognition for her exceptional talent, Manal secured the title of ‘Best Female Artist in Northern Africa’ for the second time at the 2021 All Africa Music Awards in November 2021. This accolade reaffirms her status as a trailblazer in the contemporary Arabic music scene.

Manal stands out as a rare and innovative voice in the Arabic music landscape, challenging norms and exceeding expectations. Her ability to defy conventions and infuse fresh elements into her work positions her as a dynamic and influential figure in the current music scene.

Following her debut single, Manal continued her musical journey with the track “Koulchi ban,” marking her final collaboration with DJ Van. This song resonated well with fans and drew the attention of Sony Music Middle East, leading to a significant milestone in October 2017 when Manal became the first Moroccan artist to sign with a major Arab label.

In February 2018, Manal released her third single, “Taj” (Crown). This release showcased a departure from her usual sound, and its accompanying music video generated considerable excitement, accumulating millions of views. Notably, “Taj” stands as the most popular Arabic rap song by a female artist. Subsequently, Manal unveiled “Nah,” featuring Shayfeen, a Moroccan rap duo. Building on her success, she then dropped her most significant single to date, “Slay,” a collaboration with ElGrandeToto.

Manal Ranked on the list of most popular Singer. Also ranked in the elit list of famous people born in Morocco. Manal celebrates birthday on September 18 of every year.

Recent Career Developments

Manal Benchlikha, widely known simply as Manal, continues to be a prominent figure in the Moroccan music scene. Recently, she has been making headlines with new releases and notable performances.

In May 2023, Manal released the single “Morak,” which is the first track from her upcoming album, “Arabian Heartbreak.” This song showcases her evolving artistic identity, focusing on themes of karma and the repercussions of our actions. The music video for “Morak” features dark, visually striking elements that reflect Manal’s new artistic direction (HESPRESS English – Morocco News) (Wikipedia).

Achievements and Recognitions

In September 2023, Manal was one of the winners at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards held in Abu Dhabi. This recognition highlights her popularity among younger audiences across the Middle East and her impact as an influential artist in the region (GulfNews) (GulfNews).

Background and Artistic Evolution

Manal’s journey began with covers on YouTube before she was discovered by Hamza Ait Khali. Her early work with DJ Van led to her first single “Denia,” which earned her the ‘Best Female Artist in Northern Africa’ award at the Africa Music Awards in 2015. After signing with Sony Music Middle East in 2017, she released “Taj,” which became one of the most viewed Arabic rap songs by a female artist.

Her debut album, “360,” released in May 2021, includes the hit single “Niya” and was followed by the launch of her streetwear brand, Bari & Soch, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Current Projects and Future Prospects

Manal is now working on “Arabian Heartbreak,” which promises collaborations with various artists, including French rappers like Damso, Hamza, and Disiz. The album is expected to continue her exploration of traditional themes blended with modern musical styles, portraying a transformative journey for the Arab woman (HESPRESS English – Morocco News).