Interview with Moroccan rapper Bigg
2007-05-30
In an interview with Magharebia, Moroccan rapper Bigg talks about his musical roots and his opinions on the importance of Moroccan dialect and culture.
 [File] Bigg feels that Moroccans should be proud of their dialect. |
Rapper Hazeb Taoufik, more commonly known as Bigg, is becoming a household name in Morocco. Since his debut, his proud lyrics celebrating his identity have made him famous. He believes that his honesty is at the root of his success. Magharebia caught up with him recently as he prepared for the annual Mawazine Festival.
Magharebia: Bigg, your lyrics are blunt, you are provocative, you are critical and you tell the truth without disguising it. Is it easy to live this way?
Bigg: The truth is nothing but the truth and is not always welcome. But someone has to tell it. I come from a modest background. I talk about my wants and worries as if I were talking to another young person. I put all that into the scope of rap, that’s it. It’s truth first and then style, not the contrary. I have no problem with constructive criticism, which encourages serious deep reflection. All the same, I can’t be criticized just because I write and sing the truth.
Magharebia: What would you hope to change with this truth?
Bigg: I would like for there to be more confidence in Moroccan youth. I hope to say through my songs that these young people are well aware of the situation and that they lack the opportunity of chance. We must give them this chance instead of prejudging them. When we rap it doesn’t mean that we are removed from our culture. We are connected to it and are proud to be Moroccan. Instead of judging, they need to approach us, get to know us.
Magharebia: Why rap and not another style? Why not choose a typically Moroccan style to pass on these messages?
Bigg: Each person has their own way of expressing themselves. I chose rap, another person could very well choose rai or Malherbe. The important thing is staying true to yourself and to the message that you are transmitting. You’re not really going to reprimand me for choosing rap instead of another style!
Magharebia: Many people respect what you’re doing, particularly that you invite other rappers to work with you.
Bigg: It makes me very happy to see that my efforts are appreciated. I actually receive a lot of good feedback from my fans. That’s my greatest satisfaction. I have no problem with singing a duet with other singers. Completely the opposite. I have always been interested in the idea of integrating another voice into my album. I think that the more combined the ideas, voices and efforts, the stronger the message is and the more sincere it is. It’s easy to sing solo and to release an album with your name and all that. But I thought to involve more voices and young people in my album. After all, what I say or sing is definitely the opinion of many young singers whom I know who have a lot of potential. This collaboration was responsible for the charm and the force of my album "Mgharba htal mout" (Moroccans ‘till death).
Magharebia: You won the prize at the latest Maghreb Music Awards. How do you feel about this success?
Bigg: I am very happy about it, and I can say that frankness and sincerity are the values that pay off. My first album, which I talked about earlier, was voted best album of 2006 and, on the same occasion, I was voted best artist of the year. It’s actually very encouraging.
Magharebia: You seem strong in your support for darija (Moroccan dialect) and its use in song lyrics.
Bigg: Of course. We express ourselves best in our native language, even if we’ve perfectly mastered other languages. Using darija also puts an end to taboos. We have the habit of talking about a lot of things in French, but of reading them in classical Arabic. We should be proud of our dialect. While certain people think that our dialect is not good for expression, I think that it’s a question of habit and self-confidence. We should be proud of who we are and be ourselves.
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khodra Posted 2007-06-01
A nice dialog but I would like to clear one point the name of Bigg is Taoufik Hazib and not Hajib. With my wishes of success to Magharebia.
hajar Posted 2007-06-02
Salam alaikoum all the staff of the Moroccan channel, I advise you to listen to our requirements. How? To broadcast on the Moroccan channel on Saturday and Sunday children films in the daytime and at night films for adults, we want more films of Adil Imam, and Moroccan films suitable to the Moroccan public. And salam on those who follow the right path, I'm Hajar from the city of Meknes
love rap Posted 2007-06-05
Bigg is really great
وليد الصامدي Posted 2007-06-05
A fake interview... Bigg didn't participate in the Mawazine festival, and his name isn't Hajib but Hazib. I ask Magharebia and the editor to be up to the level of American officials who support this well-known site. And please improve your performance in order to deliver Magharebia from the chains of mediocrity.
lamiae Posted 2007-06-05
I love Bigg so much.
hamza Posted 2007-06-09
Come to us we miss you.
zakaria Posted 2007-06-11
Salam alaikoum. I didn't know the real name of the singer Bigg, but I knew that through you, thanks so much for your interest in this type of music, thank you....
جمال Posted 2007-06-13
I want to hear the new album, thank you
ismail Posted 2007-06-15
Hi Bigg, I would like to ask you to sing a song with my name in it.
9adi 3iad Posted 2007-06-15
I love the Bigg so much and uploaded on my PC all the songs of the BIGG.
mic flow beni mellal Posted 2007-06-16
Bigg isn't a rapper, he's nothing. A rapping mama's boy hiding behind the micro "ros
khalil Posted 2007-06-17
bigg I jusT <3 you you are the best
inconnu Posted 2007-06-21
I love rap and I think you are the best in this kind of music. I love your album “Mgharba Tal Moute” so much.
مصطفى Posted 2007-06-25
I personnally love the Bigg and all his songs.
youssef Posted 2007-06-25
I have a short comment, I say to all the fans of Bigg, that Bigg isn't his name, he's a very famous American rapper his name is b.i.g. and may be the notorious know him very well.
maha Posted 2007-06-25
Hi Toufik Bigg, I love you so much. You are so handsome. You sing your songs so beautifully.
lhssiba tazarni driss Posted 2007-06-26
Good luck Bigg and Bilal
ahlam Posted 2007-06-27
Ok, I love you so much, because when we listen to his songs we find the reality of this society and this crappy life. Bigg forever and Moroccans till death (no more fear) ...The one who likes my country, likes me, and the one who hates my country, may he face bad luck, if you accept us, you're welcome, if you don't, bring pride my brother, in the sake of the people of Rabat and Casa.
karami Posted 2007-06-30
You're great Azaz
fatima ezzahra Posted 2007-07-05
I love you, Bigg. I am from Oued Zem. I love you, Bigg, you and your dirty lyrics. -Kisses
جمال Posted 2007-08-26
The singer Bigg is very good, I wish him a prosperous future.
simo Posted 2007-09-17
How is it going, Bigg? Oh Bigg, you are the best rapper! By God you are the bomb in Morocco, and, above all else, never change! I adore you!
ahlam Posted 2007-09-22
I love Bigg so much more than other rappers, a kiss to you Bigg.
mehdi Posted 2007-09-26
Personally you're the best and 'Mgharba Talmout' (Moroccans until death).
abderrahim Posted 2007-10-05
Blessed and happy Ramadan. The important is that Big is an artist who emerged in a quick way which made him famous among Moroccans and became loved namely because his songs deal with the social life in Morocco namely the young people. But I have a comment about Big, I hope that he will lessen the use of lowly words as it's very offennsive sometimes namely in some ceremonies where the family is gathered which causes an annoyance to their children. The important is that I wish for Big a successful musical career and more progress as he speaks in our true language which is the Moroccan Darija (dialect) which is on the way of extinction and is marginalized and Moroccans are using another language. It's good to learn other languages, but excluding the original language is a shame on us Moroccan people to marginalize it in this way. This is my comment, I wish a successful continuation for this site as it offers Moroccans an opportunity to express their opinions towards their Moroccan brothers in any field related to the reputation of our country. So pray on the prophet, God's prayer and peace upon him. My greetings to every Moroccan jealous for his country. God grant you success. I dedicate all the songs of Big to my friends : Simo "Laarch", Amjad "Lakraymi", Mayloud "Haj Gladiator", Lyazid "Hda Hlayba", Abdessalam "Chmar". With wishes of succes. Bye.
HAMZA Posted 2007-10-13
Salam Bigg, you know, may God make you always the first, you're the Rap but the others Hich Pich of (Fnaire and H-Kayne) we see just their clothes.
issam Posted 2007-11-02
Salam alaikoum, I like Bigg but I love so much h-kayne. I hope to find a special introduction about them and about all their new and old songs. Thank you, I hope you will reply very soon.
حامد Posted 2007-11-02
What's all this nonsense, even the song you have corrupted it, and it became like a decadent vegetable. Who's this Bigg with his loose pants, jumps and cries like a donkey. Singing is far out of your reach Mr Bigg, go hold up your pants and take care of yourself. You're just a game in the hands of the enemies.
said Posted 2007-11-04
Hi Bigg, you have a very good character.
radouane Posted 2007-11-26
Bigggggggg always Rap
HAMZa Posted 2007-11-26
Good Satt you're going straight but beware of prison and 'Moroccans till death' are losing words.
بيك نت واااااااااااااعر Posted 2007-11-27
Bigg, you're great.
محمد Posted 2007-12-04
I want to listen to one of your great songs.
salim .taourirt Posted 2007-12-28
Hi Bigg. Look I want to tell you something, even if you fly, there's nothing you can do. Singing is forbidden in Islam. It's hell waiting for you, inchallah. May God guide you to the right path. There's no power and no will but from God.
acot Posted 2007-12-29
Greetings of peace to you fellow brothers in faith, happy new year to all Moroccans. I just wanted to congratulate Mr. Taoufik (Bigg) who actually deserves every single piece of luxury he lives in and I wish him more because he speaks out the truth that no man dares to venture. Everybody wants him harmed, even the Muslims: is it because he is successful? I think he is beyond your schemes; he is real BIGG. If you really think he gave you a crappy album in 2006, wait until you see his hit in 2008 unless an Islamist blows himself up near him. We need rappers like him. I would abandon rap if I were you brother. Who cares about what you say, whether you claim to be a man or not. If you think you are good, why don't you produce an album as good as Bigg's. As the proverb says, birds of a feather flock together. Long live Bigg and long live Morocco- I wish all Moroccans success and our land is the best! Peace Citizen from Agadir
خنساء Posted 2008-01-02
I see that some people are insulting the Bigg, try to do like him then you can talk. Dignity to Bigg, those who insult him have no national spirit. And for God's sake, the one who insulted him reply to me.
moi rachid de marrakech Posted 2008-01-03
How are you biiiiiiig you're great but you've done a disaster with those mad sons there are some mad people who don't understand Marrakech expects more from you and Fnair.
عبدالواحد Posted 2008-01-03
As they say bring pride or go aside, Bigg has brought pride.
moi abd lakrim de marrakech Posted 2008-01-05
Big, your songs are great, I wish you success to you and all Arab singers, with wishes of success inchallah.
mohamed Posted 2008-01-16
Hi, How is it going everyone? Before criticising anyone, it is first of all necessary to take a look at their situation. To tell the truth: he is courageous for having said such words, above all because we desire a democratic country. Even with the words, there's no action.
fadwa Posted 2008-01-31
Before you insult Bigg, look at yourself. At least he did something for his country, unlike you.
abde llatif Posted 2008-02-10
I love Bigg's songs so much, keep things up to par and don’t forget to make a disc about Dokala Aabda.
ousama Posted 2008-03-06
Hi all Moroccan rappers. Moroccans are great in everything. Come here, Bidawi or son of El Jadida, you like the rap, why don’t we make a mad group. Leave me a msg.
zbayl Posted 2008-03-08
Bigg you’re great, by God, so so much, take care of yourself. This is a great interview, by God.
abdo Posted 2008-03-14
My friend Bigg how are you, may God help you. Take care of me. I am Abd Razak. Bye, bye.
fati Posted 2008-03-29
Eh Big, you're mentally sick. It is better do sports instead of singing in order to lose weight, people aren't the same.
th mahdi... Posted 2008-04-03
It is not normal that some don't like Bigg. Pride to Bigg, something new. You must first ask to listen to him then judge him.
omayma Posted 2008-04-06
Omaima, I love Bigg so much. I want to be like him in the future. He is the best rap singer in Morocco.
zakaria fouad Posted 2008-04-11
Personally, I love you so much. I have learned all of your songs. I hope you keep up the good work. My name is Bigg [unclear] 5, rue Amal, 2
santouh yassine Posted 2008-05-02
Big, what is wrong with you? Stay dense and stout. You are a lit spliff and I don't need to smoke you. Will you tell me who has taught you and made you know the words of rap? Who will adopt your father or your brother? You still don't want to wake up and be aware that you are heading down a dangerous road? Big, look, you're not a rap singer or anyting. You are attacking rap.
jamal Posted 2008-05-03
Hi how are you? I want to tell you that there is nothing like your album in Morocco. I want to tell you that it is you whom I love so much. So if you don't mind, we are a band and have one problem, we haven't found anywhere to record our discs. We have one album bearing the title Oulad Zanka (children of the street). It has ten songs. If you don't mind, help us somehow. May God protect you, may God protect you...
amino Posted 2008-05-08
The people are with you Bigg. I am so grateful for you. You are the best rapper in Morocco. You are so out there. You sing songs that are so, ouf! Your voice too! Keep it up, man!!!
omayma Posted 2008-05-22
His name isn’t Hajib. His name is Toufiq Hazeb. Some learning. She is a poor one this Iman, go, Bigg is the best singer of Rap in Morocco and we are with you Bigg. Come one, we are Moroccans to death. I wanted to say one thing. It is not Morocco which is underdeveloped, it is the people on it, (expletive) on those who don’t like Bigg because he says the truth or because he doesn’t sing about “my darling or my soul” you insult him because he defends you, you hate him because if it were someone else not Moroccan,Amr Diab, Nanci or Elissa, they would have accommodated her in the best hotel and …Respect Moroccans, we must work together so that we can realize something. We are playing, when we see someone we start applauding, just heading like donkeys. This was even before the rap comes but now Bigg has come and he has lightened our road and this channel, may God reward it with good shouldn’t show a lot of films because they increase unemployment. I say to this girl who likes films and Adil Imam to listen to a song by Bigg and fill her time with something, because they cause obesity. Thank you very much Bigg. I love you, go on. Without you we are nothing 0 and we wouldn’t have survived for one day. May God protect you for us and grant you long life.
mehdi rhrabaoui Posted 2008-06-02
Where are you my dear friend Bigg? You are dear to me my friend. I have all your songs and I have the song "girls are spoilt". Reply to me, may God protect you. I live in Fez, Erac street, Hay El Marinine, rue Beld Walid no 36.
zinOuchette Posted 2008-06-04
In my opinion, Bigg represents the Moroccan people. He and his style of rap get me going so much. Never change, Bigg! What I would like to know is if Bigg was in prison. If this is true, then contact me -One of Bigg’s fans
dounia Posted 2008-06-27
I love you so much Bigg. You are my favourite singer. I liked so much your album “Mgharba tal Mout” (Moroccans til death) especially “kmin Alikom” and “Lkhouf”.
maghribi 7talmot Posted 2008-08-02
I am not insulting. I hate Morocco's policy, so when I am angry, I listen to Bigg.
simo casa Posted 2008-08-17
Hi, My name is Simo. Bigg, you are nothing! You’ve got no voice or courage, and I will tell you why: you started out hot, but then you became a big idiot. Yeah, you, for example, do not even know how to speak during an interview. Take a hike, because life is going to be difficult for you. –Your brother, Simo
حمزة Posted 2008-10-11
I am Hamza from the city of Laayoune. I greet the rap singer Bigg. But I will comments on the words which aren’t associated with rap. This is the only thing unbalanced in your songs. With my respects to the opinions of others. Thank you. Hamza.
salah rap Posted 2009-02-02
You are a good Moroccan-rap singer. –See you soon
sousou Posted 2009-04-23
Hi, is everything alright? Concerning Fnaire, they are the best group because they talk about reality and everyone is interested in them. Second thing is that it has achieved great success. May God grant you success Fnaire. I have one request please, make a song about Saad and Sarah please. Thank you very much. In the song, Saad leaves Sarah alone but in the end he finds no one better than her and comes back to her. Please and make it emotional.
y n s s i n e Posted 2009-06-09
Brother Bigg, my condolences. From God we are and to God we shall return.
yassin el aouad Posted 2009-08-06
i like your music brv just keep on and dont give up u got talent n u got people that they love u and that why the music all about 1 morocco till death
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