Marwan Pablo
Marwan Pablo | |
|---|---|
| Born | Marwan Ahmed Motawea Cairo, Egypt |
| Nationality | Egyptian |
| Other names |
|
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2015–present |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | Hip hop |
Marwan Ahmed Motawea (Arabic: مروان أحمد مطاوع; born 22 November 1995), professionally known as Marwan Pablo, is an Egyptian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer from Alexandria. He is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of trap music in Egypt and a central figure in the country’s modern hip hop movement.
Early Life
[change | change source]Marwan Ahmed Motawea was born in Alexandria, Egypt. He began writing lyrics in his teenage years before transitioning into music production. His early exposure to global hip hop culture played a major role in shaping his artistic identity.
Career
[change | change source]2015–2019: Beginnings and Breakthrough
[change | change source]Pablo began releasing music in 2015 under the stage name “Dama.” In 2017, he adopted the name Marwan Pablo, referencing both Pablo Escobar and Pablo Picasso.
In 2018, his track 3ayz Fin gained significant traction, especially after being remixed by mahraganat artist Sadat. His collaborations with producer Molotof in 2019, including tracks such as El Gemeza and Free, marked a turning point in his career and contributed to the expansion of trap music in Egypt and the wider Middle East.
2020: Hiatus
[change | change source]On 14 February 2020, Pablo announced his retirement from music, citing personal and religious reasons. He deleted content from his social media platforms and later clarified that the decision was influenced by psychological pressure and public expectations.
Despite his hiatus, his music continued to chart, and his track Denamet remained commercially successful.
2021: Return and CTRL
[change | change source]In February 2021, Pablo returned with the single Ghaba, which quickly topped trending charts on YouTube in Egypt. He subsequently released the (EP) CTRL, featuring five tracks.
The project marked his official comeback and solidified his position in the regional rap scene.
2023–2025: Continued Projects
[change | change source]Pablo released multiple projects under Quality Clique, including:
- The Last Piece of Art (2023)
- PRJKTBLUBEAM (2024)
- 7OB&KASHAT (2024)
- EN7RAF (2025)
These releases expanded his sonic direction while maintaining his trap foundation.
2026: Film Debut
[change | change source]In February 2026, Pablo announced his first feature film project, EgyBest. The film is inspired by real events related to the founders of the Egyptian streaming platform EgyBest and explores themes of digital culture, youth ambition, and legal controversy in the Arab media landscape.
The film stars Ahmed Malek and Salma Abu Deif and is scheduled for theatrical release in 2026.
Musical Style and Influence
[change | change source]Pablo’s music blends trap, hip hop, and contemporary pop elements. He is known for minimalist production, atmospheric beats, and lyrical themes centered around ambition, isolation, and social pressure. His influence has been widely recognized in shaping Egypt’s modern rap identity.
Personal Life
[change | change source]Pablo is a practicing Muslim.
In June 2025, he married privately; the identity of his spouse has not been publicly disclosed.
Awards
[change | change source]- Berlin Music Video Awards 2025: "DÉJÀ VU" included in the Silver Screening.
- Regional Brand Ambassador for Diesel
- Joy Awards 2026: Nominated for Best Artist.
- Spotify Accolades: Ranked among the most-streamed Arab artists on Spotify in 2021 and 2022.
- Cultural Impact: Known as the "Godfather of Trap" in Egypt.
- Production: Active songwriter, producer, and performer since 2017.
- Discography: Released notable projects including the album CTRL (2021) and EPs The Last Piece of Art (2023), 7OB&KASHAT (2024), and PRJKTBLUBEAM (2024).
Discography
[change | change source]| Year | Type | Original Title | Translation | Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | EP | CTRL (Arabic: كنترول) | CTRL | Independent |
| 2023 | Album | ʾākhir ʾiṭʿa fanniyya (Arabic: آخر قطعة فنية) | The Last Piece of Art | Quality Clique |
| 2024 | EP | PRJKTBLUBEAM (Arabic: پروچكت بلو بيم) | Project Blue Beam | Quality Clique |
| 2024 | EP | 7OB&KASHAT (Arabic: حب وكاشات) | Love & Money | Quality Clique |
| 2025 | EP | EN7RAF (Arabic: إنحراف) | Deviation | Quality Clique |
| 2026 | Movie | EgyBest (Arabic: إيجي بست) | - | - |
External links
[change | change source]- Marwan Pablo's channel on YouTube
- Marwan Pablo on Facebook
- Marwan Pablo on Instagram