Emel Mathlouthi

Review by Andy Mendez

The short:

Emel Mathlouthi is a Tunisian singer who was catapulted into fame in 2010 when she sang “Kelmti Horra” (“My word is free”) in the middle of an anti-government protest following the death of Mohamad Bouazizi. 

The long:

Growing up under the oppressive regime of Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali in Tunisia, Emel developed a political and social conscience at an early age. Her early influences - American rock and metal bands like Metallica and Nirvana - are still present in her dark, ominous, and contemporary style. Due to the political nature of her songs, Emel was forced to resort to underground performances and have DJs air her songs on the radio at odd hours of the night and early morning. When the censorship of her music became unbearable, Emel moved to France, where she continued her musical career. Her prominent albums like Ensen (Human) and The Tunisian Diaries are modern and abstract in style, whilst still maintaining an underlying social commentary.

To listen or not to listen:

Emel Mathlouthi is not shy about the fact that she is a non-mainstream artist from a non-mainstream country performing songs in a non-mainstream language. Her music is for people who don't fit into a neat box. She doesn’t perform folkloric music like her North African counterparts nor does she produce catchy pop songs like other Arab artists on the scene. Her music speaks to all those who value the freedom of expression and freedom of the human spirit.