Khtek | |
|---|---|
 Houda Abouz in 2020 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Houda Abouz 1996 (age 29–30) Khemisset |
| Genres | Rap |
Houda Abouz (Arabic: هدى عبوز) is a Moroccan rapper and women's rights advocate, known by her stage name Khtek (in Moroccan Arabic, meaning "your sister").[1]
Early life and education
Born in Khemisset in 1996,[citation needed] Abouz majored in film studies at the Abdelmalek Essaâdi University in Tétouan.[2]
Music career
Abouz chose her stage name "Khtek", which means "your sister" in Darija (Moroccan Arabic), as a deliberate challenge to the misogynistic language often found in rap. The term is commonly used by men as an insult, referencing a perceived point of vulnerability. By adopting the name, she aimed to reclaim the term and subvert its intended use. Although initially controversial, some radio hosts avoided saying it directly, the name garnered her significant public attention.[3]
Abouz began freestyling and performing at festivals before recording any official tracks. Her popularity grew significantly after she started sharing her work on social media, leading to widespread recognition. In 2020, she collaborated with prominent Moroccan rappers, featuring on "Hors Série" alongside ElGrandeToto, Draganov, and Don Bigg, and on "Fratello" with Tagne and Stormy.[3]
In February 2020, Abouz released her debut single "KickOff", which critiques a society she describes as denying equal opportunities to women.[4]
Abouz's lyrics, primarily in Moroccan Arabic and occasionally incorporating French and English, often address societal themes. She identifies as a feminist, and has cited the 2011 pro-democracy protests in Morocco during the Arab Spring as an influence. While her music reflects everyday life and social realities, she has stated that it does not pursue a political agenda.[4]
In December 2025, she launched the "X Tour", described as the first female-led rap tour in North Africa.[5]
Awards and recognitions
In November 2020, Khtek was announced as one of the BBC's 100 Women for 2020.[6]
In 2024, Abouz won the "Top Arabic Hip-Hop Female Artist" award at the inaugural Billboard Arabia Music Awards.[7]
Personal life
Abouz has spoken publicly about her mental health, revealing that she has experienced depression since childhood and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2016.[3]
Discography
Singles
- "KickOff" (2020)
- "5OTTA (32 Bar)" (2023)
As featured artist
- "Hors Série" (with ElGrandeToto, Draganov, and Don Bigg)
- "Fratello" (with Tagne and Stormy)
References
- ^ Houda Abouz, a Moroccan rap artist who ‘speaks her mind’, The Arab Weekly, August 6, 2020. Accessed December 4, 2020.
- ^ Hebdo, Équipe Maroc (11 April 2024). "Portrait de la rappeuse Khtek: Sœur d'âme". Maroc-Hebdo (in French). Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ a b c "Khtek: The Moroccan rapper who is grateful to have bi-polar disorder". 25 November 2023. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ a b "How Moroccan women are breaking into a music industry dominated by men: 'Rap is my defence mechanism'". The National. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ Ou-ouda, Ihab (30 December 2025). "Khtek Makes History With 'X Tour,' North Africa's First Female-Led Rap Tour". MWN Lifestyle. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
- ^ BBC 100 Women 2020: Who is on the list this year?, BBC, November 23, 2020. Accessed December 4, 2020.
- ^ ElNabawi, Maha (13 December 2024). "The Inaugural Billboard Arabia Music Awards: The 2024 Winners and Highlights". Billboard. Retrieved 20 March 2025.
