Roufaida (NL)

Groundbreaking, poetic, and activist. Roufaida is a pop artist who constantly explores new ideas with her music. She is inspired by her North African roots and Arabic poetry, and translates the challenges of this time into unconventional melodies and metaphorical lyrics. Roufaida broke through in 2023 with her self-titled debut EP. The EP was embraced internationally, was nominated for the prestigious Edison Awards, and brought her to stages at home and abroad. Critics called her “a true discovery” (de Volkskrant), praised her mix of North African influences and alternative pop (NRC), and found Don’t Bend “the coolest groove of the year” (HUMO). At the beginning of October 2025, she released the successor and also her debut album Coming Up for Air. The record was received with praise everywhere and will surely conquer your heart too! Met Roufaida Aboutaleb (vocals and guitar), Wannes Salome (synths), Joost Wesseling (drums)