Morocco: ElGrandeToto expands ‘SALGOAT Vol. 2’ with extended edition, new international collabos

The extended edition builds on the original release with additional tracks and collaborations featuring French rapper GIMS, Spanish singer Lola Indigo, Canadian singer-songwriter Charlotte Cardin and French pianist Sofiane Pamart.

The project follows the release of SALGOAT Vol. 2, which marked a return to the artist's early rap style. According to information accompanying the release, the extended edition takes a broader musical direction by incorporating more melodic elements aimed at reaching international audiences.

The first single from the expanded album, Mon Pays, was released alongside the announcement of the project. The track explores themes of identity, migration and attachment to Morocco, reflecting on ElGrandeToto's journey while maintaining ties to his homeland.

The accompanying music video depicts the artist in a series of everyday settings, balancing family life and work while highlighting the contrast between his current lifestyle and his Moroccan roots.

The release also features market-specific focus tracks intended to support the album's international rollout. Ninja, featuring GIMS, has been selected as the global focus track, while Paradis, featuring Charlotte Cardin, and Consuela, featuring Lola Indigo, are being promoted in Canada and Spain respectively.

According to the artist's team, the original SALGOAT Vol. 2 generated more than 14 million streams during its first week of release, with all 17 tracks entering Spotify's Top Songs Morocco chart.

‘SAMEDI’ reached the top position, while tracks including ‘DOLORES’ and ‘ROCHE MAN’ also performed strongly on regional playlists.

The album follows the success of the original SALGOAT, which has accumulated more than 410 million streams. ElGrandeToto’s catalogue has now surpassed two billion streams worldwide. The rapper has also remained Spotify's most-streamed artist in Morocco and across the Middle East and North Africa region for five consecutive years.

Born Taha Fahssi in Casablanca, ElGrandeToto emerged on the Moroccan rap scene with singles such as ‘7elmet Ado’ and ‘Pablo’ before gaining international recognition. His 2021 album Caméléon became the first Arabic-language album to debut in Spotify’s global Top 6 album debuts chart.

His career has since included collaborations with international artists, a Diamond certification in France for his appearance on CKay’s ‘Love Nwantiti (Remix)’, and performances at major festivals, including a headline appearance at Morocco’s Mawazine Festival.

SALGOAT Vol. 2 (Extension) is now available on major digital streaming platforms.

Contributors: Mbongeni Yaka, Bakang Mokgautsi, Mpumelelo Xaba, Kgotso Lefa and Sisi Nkabinde