Album Review: التكعكيعة المكتوب by نواس الحمراء – A Moroccan Folk Gem That’ll Tickle Your Ears
Alright, let’s get one thing straight: if you’re expecting some polished pop banger or a chart-topping EDM drop from التكعكيعة المكتوب (translated roughly as "The Written Shuffle"), you’ve got another thing coming. This album by نواس الحمراء (Nouas Al Hamra) is pure, unfiltered Moroccan folk magic. Released under the label Koutoubiaphone, it dives headfirst into the rich traditions of Folk, World, and Country music—and I’m not talking cowboy hats here, folks. Nope, this is the real deal, raw and earthy, like stepping into a bustling Marrakech souk at sunrise.
Now, onto the tracks that stuck with me. First up, there’s المكتوب (El Maktoub), which translates to “The Written” or “Destiny.” And oh boy, does this song feel destined to rattle around in your brain for days. It’s got this hypnotic rhythm that feels like someone handed a drum circle an espresso shot—energetic but grounded. The vocals? Soulful and slightly raspy, like they’ve been marinated in mint tea and desert winds. The melody builds slowly, sneaking up on you until BAM—you’re clapping along like you’re at a family wedding. By the end of it, I was half-convinced my fate had been written in the stars too. Or maybe just scribbled hastily on a tagine lid. Either way, it works.
Then there’s التكعكيعة (T’gaagiaa). If El Maktoub is destiny, then T’gaagiaa is its mischievous cousin who shows up late to the party wearing mismatched shoes. This track is playful chaos wrapped in musical gold. The percussion has this syncopated shuffle that sounds like someone trying to teach a donkey how to dance—and succeeding. There are moments where the instruments seem to argue with each other, only to make up seconds later in a burst of harmony. It’s chaotic, sure, but in the best possible way. Like life itself, really.
What makes this album stand out isn’t just the music—it’s the vibe. Listening to it feels like being invited into someone’s home for a big ol’ feast. You don’t know exactly what’s going on, but you’re having such a good time you don’t even care. Plus, it’s refreshing to hear something so deeply rooted in tradition without feeling like it’s stuck in the past. These songs breathe—they twist, turn, and occasionally trip over themselves, but always keep moving forward.
So yeah, التكعكيعة المكتوب isn’t perfect. Some transitions between tracks feel a little rough, and a couple of melodies might take a few listens to fully click. But honestly? That’s part of its charm. It’s messy, heartfelt, and utterly human.
Final thought: if this album were a person, it’d probably be the guy at the party telling wild stories while waving around a tambourine. Annoying? Maybe. Memorable? Absolutely. And hey, isn’t that what great art’s all about?
