Some have claimed she has the most beautiful voice in the world, she is certainly in the running.
See what others think of her.
Here’s a world diva with a difference. Mathlouthi’s lament for her homeland, “Ya Tounes Ya Meskina” (Poor Tunisia), became a soundtrack to last year’s uprising, along with the celebratory “Kelmti Horra” (My Word is Free). Arriving after several years of exile in France, this debut twists together Arabic roots with western flavours – some rock (Mathlouthi plays guitar and cites Joan Baez as an influence) but mostly cavernous trip-hop. The mix works well on stand-outs “Dhalem” and “Ma Ikit”, where Mathlouthi’s striking vocals find most melody; elsewhere, the understandably serious mood of protest and sadness flatlines somewhat. A powerful new voice, none the less. Guardian 4/5
Kelmti Horr
This album tells the story of my Tunisia, the story of the dark years as seen through my eyes: through my experience as a student, a young rebel and dissenter, through my years of artistic and ideological struggle, and through my immigrant tears, my suffering and my love of freedom. I dedicate this album to all those who gave their lives so that one day Tunisia might be free. The road is long but every day…a new sun rises and new hopes emerge…and we are these hopes.’ Emel Mathlouthi Born in Tunis, Emel is a songwriter, composer, guitarist, and singer who is bringing an amazing brand new sound to Tunisian music. Endowed with an outstanding voice, she evokes Joan Baez, Sister Marie Keyrouz and the Lebanese diva Fairouz, her captivating style is lyrical, with powerful rock, oriental and trip hop influences (she’s collaborated with Adrian Thaws AKA Tricky). Emel began her artistic career at the age of 8 on stage at the small amphitheater in the Ibn Sina suburb of Tunis where she lived until the age of 25. She moved to France to pursue her career as a singer. The song “Kelmti Horra”, (my word is free) was taken up by the Arab Spring revolutionaries and sung on the streets of Tunis. — Gondwanasound
This is a live version.
Kelmti Horr
Emel Mathlouthi live am 18.12.2011 bei Trafico im Kölner Gloria (Cologne) Emel Mathlouthi gilt als Symbol für Frauen-Power in der arabischen Musikwelt. Dieses Jahr war sie an mehreren Protestkundgebungen gegen das Regime von Ben Ali beteiligt. "Der arabische Frühling" bei Trafico! Vielen Dank an Francis Gay und das Funkhaus Europa Team!
Fi béli Che Guevara
Ma Lkit
Emel Mathlouthi restera pour le peuple tunisien la voix de la révolution. Son chant Ma lkit interprété durant les manifestations d'opposition au régime de Ben Ali a fait le tour de la planète et consacré cette jeune femme. Aujourd'hui, l'artiste militante poursuit son chemin, chantant la tolérance, l'aspiration à la liberté et au changement. Loin des standards de la culture musicale arabe traditionnelle, Emel Mathlouthi propose une synthèse d'influences traditionnelles et de sonorités rock. Mais la jeune diva excelle aussi dans un registre plus mélodique. Sa voix cristalline et son mélisme dialogue avec l'archet agile de Zied Zouari, et la rythmique est assurée tour à tour par la basse sombre de Nicolas bauer et les percussions malicieuses de Imed Alibi
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