The latest single from El Mehdi comes through as a beautifully constructed and culturally rich soundscape in the form of a Moroccan pop single that brings together those classic pop elements but also adds that Moroccan flair and dance ability along with some driving beats and this completely alluring atmosphere.
"EL KASS HLOU" is quite a beautiful song and is delivered in a way that brings together French, English, and Moroccan Arabic which is one of the reasons this song is so enticing and so rich with not just culture but personality as well.
His vocal delivery is intense at times but in a good way. There is a lot of what feels like spirituality to the song, and you pick up on this vibe and the way he performs vocally.
He just has a very passionate performance and the way he sings his one of the biggest reasons you get pulled right into this track. You can sort of feel that energy and that intensity. The music follows suit perfectly.
This is the track that is produced very well and grows as it plays on so in the beginning you have these sort of orchestrated elements and things are slightly more stripped down as the song builds up and then the beat comes in and everything sort of gets a bit stronger and has a bit more drive to it.
I love this arrangement style because it keeps you engaged. There are points in the song that there are string sections that follow along the vocal hook really embedding it in your head.
This element gives it a bit of a theatrical underbelly as well, which is something I also enjoyed quite a lot.
This is an incredibly danceable song. It's super hard not to move to this track because it's got such an infectious rhythm, and it comes through with such a robust energy that it just gets in your bones, and you start moving.
I love a song with so much culture from different places wrapped up into one piece of art. It opens your eyes a little bit to those other cultures, and you find yourself falling in love with certain aspects of them.
El Mehdi has already been performing to some heavy crowds, especially during Canadian Music Week, Pride Montreal, and plenty more, and when you listen to this track on record, you definitely can imagine how seeing live must be even more intense and lusher in a way.
This was a track that paid attention to musically bringing in those cultural lapses as well and how they did actually overlap and blend into each other was quite brilliant.
As far as we know, this is a bit of a glimpse into some upcoming musical projects for 2025 and we certainly can't wait for more from this artist.
With the release of such a beautifully woven single, we wanted to sit down with El Mehdi to understand where this track particularly came from, get his perspective on its meaning, and find out more about what may be coming up next.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: I would love to start off by talking about "EL KASS HLOU". Where did this track come from? What is it about?
"EL KASS HLOU" is a tribute to Houcine Slaoui’s song, but also one to my culture.
Growing up, I knew Haja El Hamdaouia’s rendition, which portrays the song as an ode to Moroccan tea. Years later, I discovered Houcine’s original, where the “sweet glass” is a metaphor for alcohol—which is haram. This shift in narrative struck me as both unsettling and deeply intriguing. It reflected a form of cultural censorship. Reinterpreting this classic became a way for me to honor Houcine’s original story, but also on a deeper level reappropriate our own narratives.
Buzz Slayers: When did this all really start for you as an artist and musician?
I’ve been drawn to the arts from a very young age. At two years old, I would draw Disney scenes. Over the years, I explored painting, sculpting, photography, and theater during high school and college, but music was always my unspoken passion. I’d write songs I imagined for famous artists I listened to, create demos on GarageBand, and even re-edit music videos I would download on my computer. It wasn’t until I felt a visceral urge to create and record my own music that I finally took the leap. Through some friends, I found a home studio and decided to give it a try. That was the first time I stood in front of a mic or sang in front of someone. Hearing my sound was transformative—it felt like I had unlocked a core part of me. All of this was especially challenging because, coming from a Moroccan family who immigrated to Canada, pursuing the arts wasn’t seen as a viable career. I had to fight really hard to get to where I am today.
Buzz Slayers: As far as I can tell, it looks like this single may be a glimpse of an upcoming project for next year? Can you tell us about that?
I’ve been working on my new music across Morocco, Canada, and France. This project is a celebration of my roots without compromising my identity. Growing up, I often felt like I had to choose between the two, but this work is about showing how both aspects can coexist harmoniously. It’s a world where tradition is not only honored but also made inclusive, evolving without losing its essence.
Buzz Slayers: Can you give us some of your biggest musical influences?
From a young age, I’ve been immersed in Moroccan, Amazigh, and Arabic music,
listening to iconic artists like Samira Said, Najat Aatabou, Nass El Ghiwane, Mohammed Rouicha, Nancy Ajram and Haifa Wehbe. I also always had a deep interest for pop music, particularly female pop artists such as Shakira, the Pussycat Dolls, Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, Doja Cat, and Melanie Martinez.
Buzz Slayers: Who is in your headphones right now?
Lately, I’ve been diving into Najat Aatabou’s albums. I grew up knowing her music, but rediscovering her music as an adult has been captivating. Her voice and delivery are fascinating.
Buzz Slayers: Do you love that as much as recording?
Performing and recording are two very different worlds for me, and I love them both for different reasons. I started recording before performing, so I’d say I feel more at home creating music and visuals. But performing allows me to connect differently with the audience—there’s something priceless about that energy exchange. It’s also very important for me to offer an immersive experience into the world I propose.
Buzz Slayers: After this single release, what's next for you as an artist?
More music! Stay tuned
Buzz Slayers: Will there be a music video accompanying this track and can you tell us a bit about that?
Yes, the music video is hand-crafted from Moroccan archival footage. I’ve always
wanted to use archives for a video, and this track was the perfect opportunity. It
celebrates Moroccan culture and heritage, showcasing the celebration, diversity and artistry in our traditions.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you are not making music?
I’m working on visuals as they’re integral to my creative process. Beyond that, I’m
always discovering new music or watching a good movie.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what do you want to say to fans out there?
Marhaba! No matter who you are or where you come from, I hope my work makes you feel seen, complete, celebrated, and valued. Whether you’re seeking connection with others or with yourself, I hope it inspires you to embrace every facet of who you are and reminds you that you have the power to rewrite your story.
Buzz Slayers: Thank you again El Mehdi for taking the time to talk with us!
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