Nawel Ben Kraïem (Tunisia)

Nawel Ben Kraïem grew up between Tunis and France, moving to France in her late teens, and has built a career as a singer, songwriter, and poet who moves fluidly between pop, folk, rock, and raï, guided by a deep, distinctive voice. She began performing in a band before going solo and releasing her break-out album, Délivrance (2019), a pivotal record that marked both endings and new beginnings. She has since published two poetry collections and toured, interpreting the repertoires of Cheikha Rimitti and Rachid Taha. Her latest album, Troubles (2026), blends twelve tracks across multiple languages and styles, recorded during a month long residency in Annaba, Algeria.

Featured Song:

“Ala Jalek” (Because It’s You) has also been titled “Révolution des figuiers” (Fig Tree Revolution), and the song refers to the 2010 uprising in southern Tunisia that sparked the ill-fated Arab Spring movement. “Only a few photos remain / Stories and faces to mourn what used to be / The burden was light, we dreamed, we lived / The burden was light, I lived, I dreamed of what / For you / Because it’s you / I would have crossed through fog and rivers / Because it’s you / I would have walked barefoot on burning embers.”

Artist Website

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