Zohra Ait-Fath
Can you introduce yourself to our audience?
My name is FATIA. I was born to a father from an Amazigh tribe in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains and a Belgian mother, and I was raised primarily in Belgium.
I began my journey in the early 90s under different alter egos, exploring various music genres as both a singer and DJ — back then only on vinyl decks. In 2020, when the world came to a stop, I felt the urge to return to my roots. I started revisiting the traditional Amazigh (Berber) music of my youth, the kind played on road trips in Morocco. Around that time, I began live streaming and finishing tracks I had been working on since 2017.
Soon after, I collaborated with musicians who played the oud and violin on my tracks, and I was quickly signed by a major Belgian label. Today, I see it as my mission to keep this heritage alive through my looks, henna tattoos, and music.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, specifically electronic genres?
Since childhood, performing has always been a dream. I was constantly dancing, dressing up in my mom’s outfits, and putting on shows. By age eight, I would fall asleep with music recorded from the radio playing in my ears on cassettes.
My first experience in a club was magical — I felt completely at home. Discovering electronic music was like finding my natural habitat. It wasn’t a conscious choice but rather destiny. The bass, the pulse, the breaks, the drops, and the rhythms became part of my DNA.
How would you describe your style and sound? What sets you apart as an artist?
I fuse Western dance beats with the soulful sounds of my youth, weaving in ethnic live instruments and an eclectic range of house music styles. My sets flow between Oriental, Ethnic, Arab Techno, Organic, Tribal, and Afro House.
For me, every gig is a ceremony — a celebration of togetherness, hope, laughter, and love. I never pre-plan my sets; I play in the moment, connecting with the crowd, and above all, I make sure to enjoy myself and dance behind the decks.
ABOUT YOUR RELEASE
Tell us about your latest release.
In Amazigh culture, Asgwas means “year.” For me, it’s more than just a word — it’s a celebration of day and night, of music flowing from dusk till dawn.
This track is deeply personal. Asgwas marks 2025 as a year of transformation, creativity, and emotional growth. Most of the spoken words are in Tachelhit, the language of Morocco’s High Atlas region where my father comes from, so it’s also a direct link to my roots.
What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away?
Every day and night is precious. Celebrate life with music, choose your path, commit to it, have hope, and believe in yourself. One year can change your life. The journey is what truly matters — every day is an opportunity to grow.
Can you walk us through the creative process?
From the start, I knew I wanted live trumpets. I sent a base track — about eight minutes long — to Sam Vloemans, one of Belgium’s finest musicians. He recorded several trumpet lines, and I began reshaping the track, restructuring parts, and adding vocals.
My family in Morocco helped me translate lyrics into Tachelhit, which I then re-recorded. The process took a full year across three different studios. At one point, I completely rearranged the track, adding a guitar/sitar riff. It was a cycle of building and rebuilding until it finally felt right.
Now, exactly five years after my first release and close to my birthday on September 8th, Asgwas feels like both a personal and artistic celebration.
How does this release differ from your previous work?
Asgwas is more uplifting and faster than my earlier productions. It’s also my first track sung in Tachelhit — my previous songs were in Arabic (Darija). This one has a broader, more progressive and Latin-inspired vibe, making it perfect for summer.
INDUSTRY & PERSONAL INSIGHTS
What do you think is the biggest challenge for artists in the electronic music industry today?
The hardest challenge is finding your true voice and genre. With so many artists emerging daily, staying consistent and standing out is difficult. Many want fast success, but building a lasting career takes patience, faith, and hard work.
What role do events, collaborations, or labels play in shaping your career?
They play a huge role. Events are essential for artists to showcase their music and connect with people.
When I discovered Café De Anatolia’s YouTube channel and Spotify playlists, I felt like I had found a home. Their music opened a world for me, and I discovered incredible artists through them. Over time, I built relationships and collaborations, and signing with Café De Anatolia became a dream come true. It feels like another celebration in my journey.
Do you have advice for aspiring artists?
Be yourself. Find what makes you unique, and don’t chase trends or copy others. Stay consistent, invest in your passion, and be patient. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it.
Stay humble, respect everyone you meet — from the technical crew to promoters. Always put the right intention behind your music.
LOOKING AHEAD
What can your fans expect next?
I have several upcoming performances:
- 24th August – Thé Dansant in Tienen (HABIBI Desert Stage).
- 30th August – Vision Room at Mons Beffroi outdoor festival, on a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- 7th September – Heart Beat Rites in Aalst, a birthday celebration held in a desacralized church.
Each of these events is a milestone and another chance to celebrate music and connection with my audience.
“Asgwas” – FATIA / Cafe De Anatolia – 22/08/2025