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Maha Tazi

Abstract

In this study, I am interested in investigating the concept of RAPtivism in Morocco from a feminist perspective by examining the potential of women’s rap in constituting a countercultural sphere that is capable of creating wider social and political awareness. To do so, I focus on the case study of Snowflakebxtch, a twenty-four years old Moroccan woman rapper who is known for her outspoken and transgressive freestyles. I draw on a mix research methodology where I combine a content analysis of two interviews conducted with Aisha Fukushima, the founder of RAPtivism, and the selected Moroccan rapper along with a textual analysis of two of Snowflakebxtch’s most salient tracks. I argue that Snowflake’s freestyles are an effective manifestation of RAPtivism and feminist rap in Morocco whereby the young rapper deconstructs widespread gender binaries and traditional gender roles in her society, as she denounces, in parallel, several societal and political woes in the country. These aspects contribute to situate Snowflake’s work in what other scholars have theorized as the continuing (gender and cultural) revolution in the North African region whereby women artist-activists continue to struggle, in the aftermath of the Arab Spring, for social justice and gender equality through creative means.

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