7liwa
7liwa | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ihab Ikbal January 19, 1996 Casablanca, Morocco |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, songwriter |
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Known for | Moroccan trap and rage music |
Ihab Ikbal (Arabic: إيهاب إقبال; born 19 January 1996), widely recognized by his stage name 7liwa (Arabic: حليوة), is a Moroccan rapper and songwriter originating from Casablanca. As a pivotal figure in the Moroccan rap scene, he played a major role in bringing trap and rage music to the forefront within the country. His rapid-fire flow, frequent use of auto-tune, and bold lyrical content have left a lasting mark on the new wave of artists.
The influence of 7liwa on Morocco’s hip-hop culture is profound, motivating upcoming talents such as Inkonnu, ElGrandeToto, and Ily. He is often dubbed "the Lil Wayne of Morocco," drawing parallels to Lil Wayne’s impact in elevating international stars like Drake, Tyga, and Nicki Minaj.
Biography
Born in Casablanca in 1996, 7liwa’s origins are rooted in Morocco’s largest city.
Career
Starting his journey into music around 2011-2012, 7liwa initially shared his work through YouTube. Early releases such as "Da7k T9ada" (2013) and the ten-minute track "Batal L3alam" (2013), notable for its absence of a chorus, established his reputation for incisive lyricism and helped him gain early recognition. In 2014, he collaborated with French rapper Soolking on the track "Bilal," which achieved notable success. His breakthrough came in 2016 with the music video for "NIK DT," which accumulated millions of views, followed by popular songs including "Adidas" and "Haribo." That same year, he performed at Casablanca’s largest correctional facility, Oukacha Prison.
During 2017, 7liwa released three music videos within a span of three months, among them "Mimi," which attracted over 22 million views on YouTube. A significant career milestone was reached in 2019 when he signed with Sony Music Entertainment Middle East. Later, in 2022, he secured an international publishing agreement with PopArabia and Reservoir Media, covering both his existing catalog and upcoming projects.
In 2025, he revealed plans to produce a project described as a "retirement album."
Artistic style and influences
Frequently acknowledged as one of Morocco’s leading rappers, 7liwa holds a prominent position in various rankings. DimaTop Magazine places him fourth, emphasizing his considerable impact on contemporary Moroccan rap. He also ranks within the top five most influential Moroccan rappers according to Pan African Music and is fifth on Kulture Vulturez’s list.
Performing mainly in Darija, he blends French and English elements into his music. Known for his swift delivery, poignant lyrics, and controversial subject matter, his work often explores themes of personal hardship and social commentary. Through his collective Zawa City, he has been instrumental in advancing the careers of notable Moroccan rappers like ElGrandeToto and Inkonnu.
His 2014 release "Mosi9t Chitan," featuring horror-inspired visuals, was a landmark moment that challenged traditional norms within Morocco’s music industry.
Albums
- La Street (2019)
- Weld Fatima II (2021)
- Champion (2024)
Mixtapes
- Ktabi Baki (2014)
- #WF (2017)