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After spending his childhood in Casablanca, Abdelazize Ouenza took flight in 2013 to pursue studies in computer engineering in France. He earned his master’s degree there and remained for nearly a decade, building a solid career as a digital project manager in the banking and media sectors. In 2022, he returned to Morocco, where it all began and where the successful rapper’s story continues to unfold.
Indeed, Ouenza confides to Yabiladi that rap has never left him. His return to his roots rekindled a talent that had simply been waiting to shine. Despite the challenges of the music industry in Morocco, he managed to carve out a place for himself and gain international recognition. «I never felt any difficulty coming back after so many years in France», he told us confidently.
«I am especially lucky to have been able to fully turn to rap and return to Morocco. I will always feel good there, no matter what happens. It is, first and foremost, my country, and as long as my parents are there, I won’t consider going elsewhere. I have no regrets, no remorse, only blessings».
Eclectic influences
As a young man growing up in Hay Mohammadi and the Grande Ceinture, Ouenza listened to rap and began writing and singing as a self-taught artist. «The first time I wanted to write, it was rap that I put on paper, even though I could have tried other styles», the artist, then a fan of the «dynamic duo» Jay-Z and Kanye West, told us. He also moved between R&B and pop, drawing inspiration from Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, and Usher, while absorbing everything he listened to, including rock.
These eclectic influences shaped his refusal to impose artistic boundaries on himself. This freedom now defines the rapper’s musical identity, marked by socially conscious themes, criticism of injustice, and a narrative approach that gives his work a distinctive style.
Before fully dedicating himself to creation, he had already left his mark with notable releases, including «Ouenza X3» (2018), the singles/EPs «OK Wait» and «A7lam» (2021). In 2023, «Alam» and «La tête» marked a turning point, followed two years later by «1ER RÔLE» (2025).
Exploring his many artistic talents, Abdelazize Ouenza also ventured into television series and TV films, before stepping into cinema through encounters, recommendations, and proposals. Grateful for what rap has brought him, he recalls being spotted during a musical tour with the former duo Shayfeen.
«We were in Belgium at the time. Director Zakaria Nouri was about to shoot a clip for the group, and we met», he told us. The filmmaker later offered him a short film, which eventually became a music video.
In front of the camera
On set, Ouenza met actress Salwa Zarhane, who later introduced him to director Alaa Akaâboun, known for his dramatic television series. The filmmaker, who personally oversaw the casting process, had no doubts about his choice.
Since then, Ouenza has made a name for himself on screen, notably in «Lmektoub 2», «2 Wjouh», and «Rihlat Al Omr». Behind the scenes, he has also contributed to television productions by performing original soundtracks, as in «Jorh Qdim». These experiences led to further collaborations in TV films, through which he gradually mastered the craft.
«At my first shoot, I didn’t even know what a roadmap was, in filmmaking jargon. But since then, I’ve learned a lot, and I think I’m doing quite well. It makes me even more eager to learn, work on my adaptability, remain curious, and always stay hungry to move forward».
From the music scene to the small screen, acting became a springboard for Ouenza, eventually leading him to a role in the film «Il Nibbio» (2025), directed by Italian filmmaker Alessandro Tonda. The feature tells the story of Nicola Calipari, a secret service agent who risks his life to save a journalist kidnapped by a terrorist cell and is killed while protecting her. Thanks to his growing experience as an actor, Ouenza is now being considered for several upcoming projects currently under negotiation.
Between rap and cinema
Today, Ouenza believes music and cinema form a natural duo, an outlook that led him to participate in the 22nd Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM 2025). «I’m neither the first nor the last, but I’m always delighted and grateful for the opportunities I receive from Moroccan directors and those abroad», he told us.
Determined to give his best, he continues to take singing and acting lessons to refine his performances, whether in front of the camera, in the studio, or on stage.
«No matter how talented one is perceived to be, it’s essential to know the basics. At some point, they’re what allow you to keep cultivating and refining that talent. I’m at that stage of my artistic life: I want to become a better version of myself».
By honing his craft, Ouenza hopes to make a meaningful contribution to Moroccan creative production, favoring rigorous interpretation and character development over improvisation.
«I want to thank Moroccan cinema, which remains my greatest passion and which put me in the spotlight from day one. I grew up with national productions, and they made me who I am today».
