Emel Mathlouthi is a Tunisian-American singer-songwriter, composer, performer and producer whose music has crossed time, countries and continents. She rose to fame in 2012 with her protest song “Kelmti Horra” (My Word Is Free) from the eponymous album Kelmti Horra and was subsequently called the voice of the Arab spring. In 2016, she performed "Kelmti Horra" at the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony, marking a climax in her journey with this powerful song.

Emel continues her exploration and develops a sound that is unique to her. An electronic music loaded with North African references, with complex rhythms and light-dark atmospheres, which is revealed in 2017 with the release of Ensen ("Human"), her sophomore album signed on the American label Partisan Records. In constant evolution, Emel pushed the frontiers of her universe even further in 2019 with the release of Everywhere We Looked Was Burning, a prophetic third album in which she embraces her taste for the English language and experimental and cinematic music. Also released on Partisan Records, this concept album and cycle of videos clarifies the purpose of the musician, confirms her talent as a producer and puts her at the forefront of the international scene.

Her latest album, MRA is the embodiment of sisterhood as well as the musical form of the fight against patriarchy in a male-driven world and industry. With sounds more pop and hip hop than ever before, swaying between Arabic, English, and even French with her guests, Emel allows both herself and her listeners to step into an even more committed journey towards embracing one’s own authentic life.

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Presented in Partnership with Diaspora Arts Connection