Local rap scene stagnated for many years where most rappers were about showcasing social issues and talking on the name of the youth. Till 7liwa dropped Haribo in 2017, a track that introduced trap and mumbling and redefined the local rap scene forever.

Born Ihab Ikbal, 7liwa started making music at his early teens soon as he found out about his talent and passion for the rap culture, a Casablanca rapper at the epicenter of the city’s underground hip-hop scene. In 2013, he built a devoted online following, owing mainly to a series of singles released through YouTube, which are Da7k T9ada, Batal l3alam,MOSI9T CHITAN in 2014 then Wald Fatema in 2015. 7liwa’s lyrics were brave and full of anonymous messages, describing his family issues and his vision on life, that cannot go unnoticeable.

7liwa came up with a whole different style, switching up from actual rap to trap. Releasing NIK DT and later Haribo. A track that redefined the local rap culture, a mix of warbling flow and relentless trap beats that allowed him to clock millions of views on Youtube, and his unique style reached local youth and made a path for many big names in the actual rap scene.

7liwa saw the game differently. While others followed the rules, he knew the local rap scene needed a shift. Much like Young Thug and Future reshaped American rap, 7liwa broke formats, played with flows, and embraced freedom over formulas. In doing so, he opened the door for a new generation of local rappers – such as Bo9al – an artist who felt free to experiment, bend codes, and build his own identities. 

Haribo didn’t just succeed. Haribo changed the game.