Through the Lens: Archiving Morocco's Hip-Hop scene
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Time to read 3 min
How one photographer's dedication to documenting Moroccan rap creates essential cultural archive while bridging realism and cinematic vision
Salah Eddine El Bouaaichi builds cultural archives one photograph at a time, his camera becoming witness to Morocco's hip-hop revolution.
El Bouaaichi has created one of Morocco's most essential cultural documentation. Each frame serves as evidence: hip-hop isn't just music in Morocco, it's identity, resistance, and artistic evolution happening in real time.
The Accidental Archivist
"I started photography when I bought a new phone in 2016. Its camera was interesting, and I began taking photos wherever I went," Salah Eddine recalls. What started as a casual experimentation became a cultural mission, documenting a movement that was creating itself without historians.
His development through Instagram connections demonstrates how contemporary artistic communities form through digital networks. "I got involved in the Instagram community, meeting new people who were also into photography. What keeps me motivated now is that photography has become a part of who I am."
This organic evolution from hobby to essential cultural practice mirrors the hip-hop scene itself—emerging from passion, building through community, growing into something larger than individual expression.
Marrakech as Cultural Laboratory
"Marrakech, its people, and its public spaces have a big influence on my photography, especially the aspect of documenting hidden and interesting public spaces. Marrakesh also brings together an international artistic community, which gave me the chance to meet many foreign photographers and artists."
Still from the photo zine « 26’s street زناق » - © Salah Eddine El Bouaaichi
The city shapes his aesthetic—ancient walls hosting contemporary expressions, traditional spaces transformed by global culture. Marrakech's unique position as cultural crossroads provides a perfect laboratory for documenting how local and international influences create new artistic languages.
Hip-Hop as Homeland
"Since I was a kid (around 7 or 8 years old), I've been into urban music, especially RAP (hip hop). This passion led me to document the Moroccan HIP HOP/RAP scene in Marrakech and across Morocco."
This childhood connection provides Salah with insider understanding that elevates his work beyond external observation. He doesn't document hip-hop culture—he lives within it, creating images from genuine cultural investment rather than anthropological distance.
"I've had the chance to meet many rappers, and I think love and respect were the main reasons I was included in this scene." This acceptance demonstrates how authentic cultural documentation requires genuine relationship-building. Salah's camera becomes a trusted presence rather than an intrusive tool.
Building Archives for the Future
"My main goal is to document as much as possible so we can build an archive of photographs about the Moroccan rap scene, especially since many periods were never documented."
This archival consciousness positions Salah's work within essential cultural preservation. His recognition that "many periods were never documented" reveals gaps his photography actively addresses. For future researchers, Salah Eddine's images will provide crucial visual evidence of how Moroccan hip-hop developed.
"In 30 years, these photographs will help us tell many stories to future generations." Salah Eddine’s long-term vision aims to build a visual legacy for a culture still creating itself.
Authenticity of the Moment
"Balancing realism and cinematic elements in my photography is about capturing the authenticity of the moment while enhancing the visual story through techniques that add depth and emotion."
Salah's technical approach serves a deeper philosophy about cultural representation. He captures "authenticity of the moment" while using "lighting, composition, and mood"to create images that honor both documentary accuracy and aesthetic sophistication.
"It's not about changing reality, but about highlighting it in a way that feels almost like a scene from a movie: immersive and compelling."
Process as Community Building
"I don't really have a set process; I just follow the energy. I believe it's important to build the human connection before moving to the professional side."
Salah Eddine’s methodology prioritizes relationship over transaction. Among his notable collaborations: “Avant Goût” EP with Nessyou, “Perreo Triste” with Rita Loujdia, portrait series for Lmorphine and Small X and many other rappers. These collborations emerge essentially from genuine human connection and a careful ear that aims to find the right visuals to enhance the musical expression.
"Right now, I'm taking a break from my personal projects. Since my hard drive recently broke, I lost six years of photos. I'm trying to regain my energy and find new ways to rebuild the projects I was working on."
This disaster—losing six years of cultural documentation—would devastate most photographers. Salah's response reveals remarkable resilience and long-term commitment to cultural preservation over personal artistic accumulation.
"Documenting the Moroccan HIP HOP scene is still a priority, but I'm also working on other personal photography projects that will take time to rebuild and develop."
Salah preserved significant work through "26 Streets," showcasing street photography shot entirely on film. This publication made only in 200 copies available to purchase through this link.
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