Lartiste makes a triumphant return after a year-long absence, with a standout feature alongside Maes. The track, carefully recorded, and the video, shot amidst the stunning landscapes of Morocco, pay homage to the shared roots of the two artists, both deeply connected to Moroccan culture. This isn’t the first time Lartiste, seamlessly blending Arabic and French in this song, seeks to harmonize his Moroccan and French influences. Previously, with tracks like “Barcelona” and “Cléopatra”, released in 2023, the singer had already worked to showcase this vibrant and rich facet of his heritage. With “Guardia”, Maes and Lartiste deliver a multicultural masterpiece that reflects the culture thriving between the two shores of the Mediterranean, between France and Morocco.
Lartiste and Maes fully immersed in Morocco for “Guardia”!
During his appearance at the prestigious Mawazine Rhythms of the World festival in Rabat on June 23, 2019, Lartiste was honored with an exclusive interview by Le Monde Afrique. Born in Imintanoute and raised in Bondy, the rapper shared stories of his youth, deeply influenced by listening to artists like Mohamed Demsiri, whom he refers to as “the Berber griot”. This figure of Berber griotism left an indelible mark on his music. Always navigating between cultures, Lartiste is a free spirit who continues to explore and celebrate his dual heritage. In recent years, he has increasingly highlighted this mixed identity, making it ever more central to his art.
The remarkable composition of this track is the work of the talented Yannis Wade. This beatmaker, well-known for his collaborations with Djadja & Dinaz, also contributed to standout tracks like “Bénéfice” by RK and “Bae”, also for the same artist. With its oriental sounds and Moroccan backdrop, Yannis Wade delivers a composition that vividly reflects the essence of Morocco, vibrant and mesmerizing.
Alternating between Arabic and French, Lartiste and Maes blend their voices in a subtle balance of egotrips and sharp punchlines, all carried by a captivating melody.
The video, entirely shot in Morocco, was directed by the production company Hustler Game, known for recently handling major projects such as the collaboration between Niaks and Maes on “Ndrangheta” as well as the powerful video for “Yezzir” by Dosseh.
