Moroccan emcee Soultana is one of the first women in her country to take up the mic. After growing up in Rabat listening to Tupac, she got her start freestyling before forming Morocco’s first all women group Tigresse Flow. The group earned fans, respect, and notoriety with their hard style and a BS-free attitude. In 2008 they took home the prestigious Key Award from the Mawazine Festival in 2008.

Now, as a solo artist Soultana has made a name for herself based on her skill and her politically outspoken lyrics dealing with violence and unemployment. She is known as a voice for young people and as a staunch advocate for women’s rights. And, with her percussive flow and zero tolerance for hypocrisy, her countrywomen have got a powerful ally. Her song “Sawt Nssa” (Women’s Voices), is her anthem for the struggles of women in her country.

Working from her home base in Casablanca this pioneering rapper continues to rock crowds and build her fanbase with fiery tracks like “Maghgrebya” (Morrocan Women), especially among the young Moroccan women she is seeking to inspire. She rhymes in Darija (Morrocan Arabic) because her goal as an artist is to speak to her peers, but if you don’t speak the language, don’t worry. Soultana’s talent is such that you can still hear her loud and clear.

Photo by MTV Iggy