Houda Abouz

Houda Abouz, a Moroccan rapper and women's rights advocate known by her stage name Khtek, translates to "your sister" in Moroccan Arabic. Born in Khemisset in 1996, she studied film at Abdelmalek Essaâdi University. Khtek's name aims to challenge misogynistic language in rap, garnering attention despite initial controversy. She gained popularity through freestyling and social media, collaborating with notable local artists. In February 2020, she released her debut single "KickOff," critiquing societal inequalities faced by women. Her feminist themes are influenced by the 2011 Arab Spring protests. In December 2025, she initiated the first female-led rap tour in North Africa, "X Tour." Abouz received recognition as one of BBC's 100 Women for 2020 and won "Top Arabic Hip-Hop Female Artist" at the Billboard Arabia Music Awards in 2024. She has openly discussed her mental health struggles, including depression and bipolar disorder.