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An angelic voice, capable of inflaming the hearts of millions of Tunisians. With his song “Kelmti Horra” and his constant political commitment, Emel Mathlouthi is still today one of the concrete symbols of the Jasmine Revolution.

Emel Mathlouthi

Born in Tunis in 1982, from the age of 8 she discovered her passion for music, coming to compose her first song at just 10. Her choice to devote herself to heavy metal was immediately noticed by the great pop artists of the time, however, it takes her away from that kind of musicality, allowing her to find her own autonomous and original path. At about 23 she feels the ever stronger need to “do something” for her country and begins to compose more and more protest texts, just in that period she comes out “Ya Tounes ya Meskina”, “Poor Tunisia”.

Since 2008, his songs have been banned by the government and, for this reason, he takes refuge in Paris, a place from which he will not cease his political activity, making himself known more and more. The death of Mohamed Bouazizi will change everything, bringing Emel back to the streets of his city, from which his most famous song will be born: “Kelmti Horra”, “my world is free”.

My world is free

The piece goes around the country and the world, becoming in a very short time a real symbol of the “Jasmine Revolution“. In particular, a video of her singing it on Avenue Habib Bourguiba turns into a hymn to the poor and oppressed, able to strengthen the souls and ranks of freedom fighters.

Her angelic voice accompanies some fiery words and this creates an unparalleled effect, able to overwhelm even the most cynical, things at the level of “Ya El Medan” by Cairokee, so to speak. The piece achieved incredible success, so much so that in 2015 the artist was invited to play it at the Nobel Peace Prize, a ceremony during which the “Quartet for Tunisian National Dialogue” will be awarded. The event will definitely bring Emel to the eyes of the international public, definitively transforming it into a symbol of these riots.

Between angels and demons

The style of this artist is absolutely unique, thanks to a fusion of melodies, singing and sounds rarely seen so well together. The past in the gothic and heavy metal world can be felt right away, but it is never too intense, catching only some nuances.

It is the subtle anger that dominates his musical scenario, not chaos, and this combined with a unique, almost blissful voice, gives every track almost epic connotations. Listening to it, one has the impression of hearing a warrior angel ready for battle, just before the battle sees first blood. Really special and really rare sensations to be repeated even in the Italian context. An artist absolutely to be experienced, unique both for history and for poetry.

Go and read the text of “Kelmti horra”, it made us fall more than a few tears, in the video above it starts from about 2:32 minutes. Follow us on our facebook page, Spotify, YouTube,Twitter and Instagram, or on our Telegram channel. Any like, sharing or support is welcome and helps us to dedicate ourselves more and more to our passion: telling the Middle East ..