Moroccan label Raghoul releases compilation album

The project combines a variety of electronic musical genres, including EDM, IDM, techno, ambient and dub. It also blends a diverse range of vocal styles from melodic singing to hard-hitting raps and mournful laments in English, Moroccan Darija and Sudanese. Collaborating musicians include 3xOJ, Archidi, BLKM3TA, Ishtar, Kemperton, Makossiri, Noise Diva, OTAT, Qetsy and WULFFLUW XCIV.

Raghoul said: The collection, which features nine tracks, showcases the richness of the universes that the artists come from, with a focus on the Global South. “When we think of electronic music specifically, our minds very quickly wander off to Europe or the West as a whole – rarely do we think of Kenya or Morocco as potential hubs for these types of sounds. We wanted to show the world that bass – in all its various forms – can be represented by the Global South and its diaspora.”

The album’s title is a play on the notion that crocodile tears are not genuine, raising questions about authenticity and conformity in an oppressive world. Its focus track ‘CiCi’ exemplifies the label’s goal of establishing non-hierarchical collaborations that prioritise reciprocity and exchange.

Raghoul was started in April 2022 and the idea for the album came shortly after. The label says the project forms part of a conscious effort to represent different identities and communities and is the first of a number of new releases lined up for the year, adding that it will distribute all album profits equally among the artists.

“So many talented artists don't get the opportunity to go through this release process simply because the numbers can't be guaranteed, and a label needs to make a profit. By taking away this financial pressure, a whole world opens up. You can start focusing on creating things you truly want,” Raghoul said.