
In a world where melodies race against time and rhythms crowd the airwaves, authentic musical voices emerge—not in search of superficial clamor, but anchored in the power of the sincere word and a profound message. Today, we sit down with rapper and music producer Waz1ini, who weaves his independent identity into the Moroccan hip-hop landscape through his raw experiences, alongside a rich knowledge base spanning developmental psychology and traditional studies. In this exclusive interview, we open a window onto his artistic trajectory, creative conflicts, and upcoming projects.
1. The Spark of Beginnings
The Buzz Magazine: What was the defining moment or idea that made you step into the persona of “Waz1ini” and begin your journey in music and production? What is the footprint you aim to leave on Moroccan hip-hop?
Waz1ini: “For me, rap was never merely a genre of music; it was an outlet and a domain of absolute freedom within a restrictive environment that left no room for self-expression or opposing views. My journey with this art form began in 2009, when I first heard iconic American rap figures such as Eminem and 2Pac. I was fascinated by their delivery, captivated by their wordplay and rhythmic flow. I distinctly remember the very first freestyle that rolled off my tongue to a beatbox rhythm delivered by my childhood friend, B4; that was the precise moment I realized I was hooked. Even though I didn’t speak fluent English at the time, I translated the essence of those lyrics in my mind through raw emotion, pouring my innermost thoughts into verses that I performed in front of a small circle of no more than six friends. It brought me immense comfort and pride to finally find a dedicated space where I could voice my mind without boundaries or judgment.
My studio recording journey began in 2011 with the release of my first studio track, (Kon Hdana), and from that day forward, the music followed continuously. However, the moniker ‘Waz1ini’ was not born overnight; my artistic path evolved through four different stage names, each representing a distinct phase and transformation in my creative persona, until I arrived at ‘Waz1ini’—the identity that represents me today with absolute pride. The footprint I seek to carve into Moroccan hip-hop is the uncompromising quality of the word: lyrics carrying genuine weight and value that dissect societal issues and challenge the superficial, negative tropes pushed day in and day out. We neither seek wealth nor plead for respect from anyone; we forge both through our art, regardless of the odds.”
2. Affiliation and Cultural Roots
The Buzz Magazine: Your relationship with GLP4 as their ambassador in the Arab world is clear, yet your connection to B13 United remains somewhat enigmatic. Could you clarify for us what “B13U” actually represents—a symbol that consistently appears in your music videos and occupies a central place in your Instagram bio as ‘One from B13U’?
Waz1ini: “B13U is far more than a mere title or a brand logo; it is a family, an ideology, and a cultural collective uniting minds that share the exact same vision and values. My affiliation with B13U represents my roots, loyalty, and the collective spirit through which I navigate creative battles—far removed from empty individualism. When I write ‘One from B13U’ or embed it within my visual works, I am reminding myself and the audience that I am an extension of this collective, proudly carrying its mantle through every chapter of my career.”
3. Between Commercial Success and Symbolic Death
The Buzz Magazine: Your track “chala la la” crossed the milestone of 1.5 million views on YouTube, achieving massive popularity. Yet in “Ozil,” you delivered a line steeped in self-examination, stating: “Waz is dead, he went off singing chala la la.” Despite the commercial success, why did you consider yourself artistically “dead”? Furthermore, what do the symbolic tombstones burying your previous artistic names—such as “2geraned” (dated 02/09/2015) and “Waz1ini” (dated 02/09/2021)—signify to you?
Waz1ini: “The track ‘chala la la’ was not a compromise of principle as much as it was an adaptation to an execution style pushed by investor demands. Still, I refused to fake my core; my pen only writes what I truly live and feel. Beneath that commercial rhythm lay a deeply human and psychological narrative of two orphaned young men, one of whom managed to pull himself and his friend back from the brink of addiction and mental turmoil. Yet, witnessing the perpetual irony of the public—eagerly consuming commercial music while simultaneously mocking it—I felt I had suffered an artistic ‘death’ by humoring that formula. I expressed that frustration openly in ‘Ozil’ by declaring: Waz is dead, he went off singing chala la la.
As for the tombstones in ‘Ozil,’ they represent the symbolic death of the artistic persona; an artist dies when inspiration wanes and is reborn when it is renewed. The date 02/09/2021 marked the departure of an absent figure and the rebirth of a returning soul, forged anew after years that altered everything. Today’s musical landscape has grown dark, dominated by shallow ideas, and the former persona could never survive within it without the capacity to reinvent and modernize. Every hiatus I take is merely a warrior’s pause, from which I return with greater drive to push back against destructive mindsets and uphold the continuity of enlightened thought and honest lyrics.”
4. Personal Identity
The Buzz Magazine: Public records indicate that your real name is Mhammed, born in 1994, holding a degree in developmental psychology. What more can you share about your personality beyond this official biography?
Waz1ini: “What you know is enough.”
5. Bridging Academic Background and Philosophical Vision
The Buzz Magazine: You combine a foundation in Islamic studies with an academic background in developmental psychology, while penning lyrics that dive deep into social realities. How does this synthesis of theology and psychology feed your creative pen? Do you consciously apply this academic knowledge to diagnose the psychological struggles of youth in your tracks?
Waz1ini: “Naturally, the intellectual and spiritual foundation I acquired early in my journey offers me a distinct vantage point, while my psychological training enhanced my analytical capacity in a very specific way. Consequently, you will find a constant tension between theology and philosophy running through my work, which sparks intense and reflective discussions in my writing.
However, regarding the psychological diagnosis of youth issues, as I stated candidly in one of my lines: (I act like a therapist, yet I need a therapist myself); it is never as simple as directly projecting academic theory onto society. It all comes down to keen observation; I frame my observations in questioning and probing lyrics designed to open a dialogue. My words simply reflect what I see from my personal perspective, without forcing anyone to accept or reject it as absolute truth.”
6. Behind the Scenes and Upcoming Projects
The Buzz Magazine: Listeners are always on edge waiting for your next move. Word in the industry points to major projects cooking in the studio, including a full mixtape and an upcoming album. What is Waz1ini preparing behind closed doors, and what can you reveal to spark curiosity among lovers of authentic music?
Waz1ini: “The cornerstone of my current work is the upcoming full-length album, which is still ‘in the oven.’ Preceding it is the complete ‘mixtape,’ from which the track ‘Doulab’ served as the very first taste. The full mixtape will drop soon, featuring a vast array of tracks spanning diverse subgenres and styles of hip-hop.
This project is tailored specifically for the discerning listener—an audience that will savor the musicality while actively engaging their minds, awakening the mental faculties that mainstream culture continuously attempts to dull. Six years of absence were not spent sleeping; they were spent building. That is why this project carries immense artistic weight and deep philosophical questions, featuring collaborations with an elite lineup of artists.”
7. Closing Words
The Buzz Magazine: In closing, what message do you have for the audience eagerly anticipating your upcoming mixtape and album, and for any young artist following your path?
Waz1ini: “To the audience that stood by me and waited patiently for my return, I say: thank you for your faith and patience; the absence was not in vain, and what comes next delivers the true music your minds and hearts deserve. And to any young person forging their own path: never allow anyone to set the boundaries of your dreams or rob you of your freedom of expression. Walk your path in true camaraderie with your pen, build your respect through your own hands and the quality of what you create, and no matter how long or dark the road gets, remain unapologetically real… for the sincere word is the only thing that forever escapes oblivion.”
Waz1ini :Echoes of the Sincere Word Symbolic Death ,and Returning from the Shadows
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