Emel Mathlouthi

Emel Mathlouthi, born on January 11, 1982, is a Tunisian-American singer-songwriter and musician renowned for her powerful voice and poignant lyrics. She gained international recognition with her protest anthem 'Kelmti Horra' ('My Word is Free'), which resonated deeply during the Tunisian revolution and the broader Arab Spring movement.

Her debut studio album, also titled 'Kelmti Horra', was released in two thousand twelve and received critical acclaim for its innovative fusion of Arabic musical roots with Western influences. Following this success, Emel released her second album, 'Ensen', in two thousand seventeen, which showcased a unique blend of electronica and classical music.

In two thousand nineteen, she continued to push artistic boundaries with the album 'Everywhere We Looked Was Burning', where she performed all lyrics in English. The following year, her song 'Holm' ('A Dream'), sung in Tunisian Arabic, garnered millions of views shortly after its release. This track was part of the double album 'The Tunis Diaries', characterized by its minimalist arrangement featuring only her voice, an acoustic guitar, and a laptop.

Emel's artistry is further highlighted by her collaborations with notable musicians such as Tricky, Valgeir Sigurðsson, Steve Moore, and Vitalic, showcasing her versatility and commitment to musical exploration.