The rapper from Groruddalen in Oslo has made a name for himself in the Norwegian hip-hop universe for almost ten years, but 2022 is the year in which he breaks through as a solo artist. Jonas Benyoub’s artist career took off after he was discovered by Norway’s biggest rap duo, Karpe. The young talent took part in Karpe’s latest album “Omar Sheriff” – and this autumn they stood together on stage during ten sold-out Oslo Spektrum concerts. From the stage he gave a greeting to his mother, who was sitting in the hall. – It was incredibly cool of Karpe to let me do it. My mother has always given me love and support, he says. Photo: Kim Erlandsen / news P3 Fell between two chairs Benyoub grew up with a Norwegian mother and Moroccan father. In Lindmo’s chair, he talks about his upbringing, where he draws references from both Norwegian and Moroccan traditions. – The first musical inspiration came from the time together with grandmother and grandfather in Odalen. I remember “Nøtteliten” and “Lillebrors vise” by Alf Prøysen – together with Mardi Gras buns with cream in the middle. – There was a lot of stories, chatter, Se and Hør jokes and solitaire. That was nice. One would think that childhood in Odalen was a stark contrast to the family visits to Casablanca in Morocco – but according to Benyoub, it was quite similar. – There are many similarities; both singing, family gatherings and lots of fun. It is what has shaped the good. Nevertheless, it has not been easy to stand between two cultures growing up. – I fell between two chairs growing up, but eventually I learned to own both identities. Benyoub grew up with two cultures. That has given him inspiration. Helping young people from his hometown Even though the boy from the east is well on his way to the starry sky, he is concerned about the young people who grow up in his immediate environment at Ellingsrud. Alongside his artistic career, he has a day job at Forandringshuset. It is a leisure offer for young people – but with a slight twist. – The young people must create the offer themselves. We are there and have a home for them, but they decide what will happen there. – Now we have a music studio, baking and gaming group. In addition, we have “United Brothers” and “United Sisters”, where boys and girls can sit separately to discuss topics about everything from body hair to racism. Benyoub thanks his parents who have always been a great support. Hope and motivation The job means a lot to the artist, who himself attended the leisure club in the area when he was growing up. – It’s a rewarding job for me, and it’s nice to be able to be at Ellingsrud, and give something back to the young people. That way I keep my feet on the ground. Earlier this year he came out with his debut album “ZeroLove”, and in his new song “Spor i snøen” he gives a greeting to his parents. – The song is about the fact that I have finally made some tracks in the snow up here in Norway. It is also a small greeting to mother and father. It’s a nice song about hope and motivation. Watch Benyoub perform his new song in the studio at Lindmo:
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Jonas Benyoub was discovered by Karpe – now he leaves his mark – news Culture and entertainment
