Nabil El Amraoui (Arabic: نبيل العمراوي), known as Cheb (الشاب), is a Moroccan singer-songwriter and comedian from Oulmes, Morocco.[1][2][3][4][5][6] He has been described as a talented lyricist with a keen interest in traditional Moroccan music.[1]
Cheb | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Nabil El Amraoui |
| Also known as | Cheb شيحاجة |
| Born | 15 July 1990 Oulmes, Morocco |
| Genres | Traditional Moroccan Music |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, Songwriter, Producer |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar, Piano, Synth, Oud, loutar [ar; fr] |
| Years active | 2018–present |
| Website | https://cheb.bandcamp.com/ |
He started studying music at 15, at first with the guitar, followed by the loutar [ar; fr] after 2 or 3 years from studying guitar, the oud, the violin, and the piano and synthesizer.[3]
He studied at the Institut Supérieur d'Art Dramatique et d'Animation Culturelle in Rabat.[1]
He is influenced by Zayane Berber folk music, having grown up with the sounds of Mohamed Rouicha, Azlmat, and Hadda Ouakki.[3] He is also influenced by the chaabi songs played at weddings and parties in Rabat's al-Kamra neighborhood, as well as the raï songs of artists such as Cheb Hasni, Cheb Mami, Khaled, Cheb Nasro, Cheb Bilal, and Cheb Rizki that would play at the billiard halls.[3] Among chaabi influences, Cheb cites Hajib (musician) [ary], Miloud Lamghari, El Bhiri, Najat Aatabou, as well as old names of aita music.[3] Later on, with satellite dishes, he was introduced to sharqi, or Middle Eastern music, and with the internet, rock, metal, and jazz.[3] Cheb has also expressed an appreciation for the music of Ziad Rahbani.[2][3]
Cheb is an internet sensation, with cult popularity on YouTube.[1][2][5] His music has been described as "purely Moroccan,"[5] making use of authentic chaabi rhythms.[5]
Cheb writes his songs in "pure" Darija, or Moroccan vernacular Arabic.[5] The lyrical content of his music has been described as idiosyncratic, at once mundane and profound.[5] His song al-mā'an (الماعن "The Dishes") in particular has drawn attention.[5]
Sma’ Balak (سمع بالاك), 2021
Akhar as-Sa'alik al-Muhtaramin (آخر الصعاليك المحترمين), 2019
Tkharshish (تخرشيش), 2018