Mode
A Voice Carrying the Soul of
صوت يحمل روح الملحون والتراث المغربي الأصيل
Souhaila Sahraoui
Born in 2001 in Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, Souhaila Sahraoui is one of Morocco's most compelling rising voices in Melhoun — the classical Moroccan poetic art form rooted in centuries of oral heritage. Raised in an environment steeped in artistic culture, she began performing within her family circle before receiving her first formal training under the late Professor Zouhair Sedki at Dar Chabab Allal Ben Abdellah.
She continued under poet Hassan Slimani and Cheikh Mohamed Abdellaoui, and strengthened her academic foundation at the National Institute of Music in Meknes under Professor Rachid El Hakim. She also benefited from the guidance of Haj Mohamed El Wali, President of the National Orchestra of Melhoun Art.
- 2001 Born in Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
- 2018 Best Female Voice — Fez-Meknes
- 1st Melhoun Choir founded in Morocco
Artistic Participations
Sijilmassa Forum for Melhoun & Griha Art — Erfoud
Performed alongside the National Orchestra of Melhoun Art at one of Morocco's most prestigious gatherings dedicated to the living traditions of Melhoun poetry and musical heritage.
Melhoun Anthology Recording — Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco
Contributed to the official Melhoun Anthology recording under the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco — a landmark preservation project — and performed in the Grand National Melhoun Epic organized by the same institution.
Andalusian & Heritage Festivals — Casablanca, Azemmour, Essaouira
Featured at the International Andalusian Festival in Casablanca, the International Heritage Music Festival in Azemmour, and the Andalusian Atlantic Festival in Essaouira — three of Morocco's foremost platforms for classical and heritage music traditions.
Performances & Workshops — Egypt, UAE, Spain, France, Jordan
Beyond Morocco, Souhaila has brought Melhoun to international audiences through artistic evenings and cultural events in Egypt, the UAE, Spain, France, Jordan, and beyond. She also leads Melhoun workshops both within Morocco and internationally, and founded the first Melhoun choir in Morocco's history.
Artistic Traditions
Morocco's classical oral poetry tradition — performed with rhythmic precision, emotional depth, and fidelity to centuries of poetic verse.
The refined Moroccan-Andalusian classical tradition — weaving centuries of Mediterranean heritage through sophisticated modal composition.
Spiritual ritual traditions of Moroccan Sufi brotherhoods — characterized by devotional chant and the interplay of rhythm and trance.
A distinctive vocal signature within Melhoun — lyrical, intimate, calibrated to convey the full weight of classical Moroccan poetic verse.
Recognition & Awards
Artistic Vision
"يمتاز أداؤها بالدقة، والإحساس العالي بالإيقاع، والقدرة على نقل عمق القصيدة المغربية إلى الجمهور بروح شابة وحضور متجدد."
Artistic Identity
Rooted in Heritage · Open to Renewal
"اهتمامها بالبحث في التراث وفن الملحون والمساهمة في نقله إلى الأجيال الجديدة."
Heritage Transmission
Workshops · Choir · Research · Education
Moments on Stage
A selection of photos from performances, festivals, artistic evenings, and media appearances documenting Souhaila Sahraoui's artistic journey.
Contact & Artistic Bookings
For artistic bookings, festival appearances, media interviews, cultural events, or Melhoun workshops — please reach out using the form below.