IN CONVERSATION WITH DYSTINCT
Interview by SAMO ŠAJN & PHOEBE GIBSON-DOUGALL
With over a billion streams and a global fanbase, DYSTINCT has become a defining voice of a new generation. The Belgian Moroccan artist moves between cultures, languages, and sounds, always with the same goal of creating music that connects. We spoke with him just before his Red Bull Symphonic performance, to talk about identity, creativity, and the moments that matter most.
You switch between Darija, French, English, and Spanish in your songs. How do different languages influence the way you write and perform?
I don’t really overthink it. But I always say that my goal is to make the world sing Arabic. Even if I sing in French or English, you will always hear Arabic in my music. I want the whole world to sing my beautiful language and experience my beautiful culture. Mixing different cultures and languages in this way truly works.
Your visual style is very recognizable. How important are visuals to your storytelling as an artist?
That’s very important to me and it has to be for everyone. A little kid should be able to watch it. A mother, a grandfather. It needs to feel inclusive. For me, the most important thing is that it feels like family. Not only for young people, not only for older people, but for everyone. Through the visuals, I can show my beautiful culture in a way that feels safe, positive, and welcoming to all audiences.
Red Bull Symphonic turns your hits into classical pieces. What part of this transformation surprised you the most?
Everything feels new to me. It is the first time I’m performing with an orchestra, and the first time I’m giving a full show in a suit, in a theatre, with the audience seated. Normally, I am jumping left and right on stage. This feels more classy, more elegant. Everyone is dressed up, very intimate, it’s a completely different vibe. It’s a special day for me, and I love that it allows me to show a different, more musical side of myself.
You are working with sor, a conductor with significant hearing loss. What has this collaboration taught you about music and determination?
It shows that you can bring two people from completely different worlds together and make it work. That’s the beautiful thing about it. Me and sor are very different, but it still works. It shows that despite our differences, we can work together, meet each other halfway, and create something meaningful. That is life.
Your career has grown incredibly fast. What helps you stay focused and grounded while things keep getting bigger?
The most important thing is to stay true to the plan. I want the whole world to sing Arabic. As long as I stay focused on that and enjoy the journey along the way, that’s what truly matters.
You want the world to connect with Moroccan culture. What is one aspect of that culture you are most proud to share?
It’s everything, but especially about who we are as people. Moroccans are very family-oriented. If you meet another Moroccan in a different country, you instantly connect, it feels like you’ve known each other for years. That’s such a beautiful thing. If the whole world were like that, it would be an even more beautiful place.
Your shows feel like big celebrations. What goes through your mind when you are on stage in front of such diverse crowds?
Nothing, I’m just enjoying myself. My concerts feel like one big Moroccan wedding. Everyone is smiling, shouting, full of positive energy. It feels like one big family. And when it’s over, people don’t want it to end. That’s what I love the most
You have collaborated with artists from many countries. What do you look for when choosing someone to work with?
It’s never planned. It always happens naturally. I meet people at festivals, or we connect on Instagram, we like each other’s music, and it just happens. No labels, no managers arranging it, just a real connection. That’s what works best for me.
BABABA World blends many sounds. Is there a music style you are excited to explore next?
It depends on my mood. Sometimes I listen to a lot of Egyptian music, and then I feel like making songs in that style. Other times I listen to Latin music. I don’t force it. It’s all about the vibe. Maybe tomorrow I’ll listen to music from Pakistan and mix it with Arabic. Anything can work.
What is something music has given you personally that you hope to give back to your listeners?
This world is a mess. But if I can give people two hours at a concert where they smile, forget everything, and just feel good, that is the greatest gift. I have the chance to make others happy with my music. I hope I can do that for a long time.
