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Ahmed Laabidi, known to everyone as Kafon, left an indelible mark on Tunisian rap. Born in 1983 in Tunis, he left us far too soon, on May 10, 2025, at the age of 42. His imposing stature of nearly 1.80 m was evident not only in his presence but also in his powerful music.
You know, that guy wasn’t just a rapper, but a true voice for those often forgotten. His track “Houmani”, co-written with Hamzaoui Mohamed Amine, touched so many, telling the harsh life of popular neighborhoods like no one had done before him.
His path before shining in music was far from straightforward. He grew up on the streets of Tunis, then started writing his lyrics, blending rap and reggae, with a style that really smelled of Tunisian soil.
Besides music, he had something that pushed him toward acting: he played in the film Woh! and until recently in the series Ragouj El Kanaz broadcast during Ramadan 2025. This guy was truly multidimensional.
Kafon: the icon of committed Tunisian rap and his origins
Kafon, or Ahmed Laabidi, as you can imagine, was the child of the Tunisian revolution of 2011. What he told in his songs was not just entertainment; it was a mirror held up to society. Music that denounced inequalities but also the hopes of a youth in full upheaval.
He was born and raised in Tunis, where the mix of cultures and hardships shaped his artistic identity. Honestly, he managed to infuse his tracks with rare energy and authenticity, with a voice that, you could feel, carried the cries of those rarely heard.
With his unique style blending rap and reggae Tunisian-style, he made a name for himself, both in popular neighborhoods and beyond. Songs like Maâlich, Chek Chek, or Chbini w Binek still circulate on all platforms, like a reminder that his message continues to resonate.
But don’t think music was his only passion. His time in front of the camera in films and series showed how many strings he had to his bow. He was also an artist who wanted to reach people by all possible means.
Kafon before fame: an extraordinary journey
Before success knocked on his door, Kafon knew the street, hard life, real struggles. That guy didn’t come from a golden background, and it showed in his texts tinged with lived experience and raw authenticity.
His emergence in Tunisian urban music just after the revolution was a breath of fresh air for a whole generation. Imagine, at that moment, the scene was ready for a wind of renewal, and Kafon seized it wholeheartedly.
He took time to build his musical universe, never cheating or giving up in the face of obstacles. His lyrics had a documentary, almost journalistic side, about the daily life of young people from popular neighborhoods who, until then, had no real voice.
Besides, he was such a humble guy that even when recognition came, he stayed close to his roots, always with the desire to represent those who had seen him grow up.
The impressive successes and musical career of Kafon
One can say his career exploded thanks to Houmani. This hit is an anthem for many, a classic that still resonates strongly, even years later. If you have never heard this song, it’s truly a must to understand Tunisian rap.
But this success did not stop there. Laabidi followed up with Maâlich, Chek Chek, and Chbini w Binek, tracks that ignited digital platforms. He had that thing with melodies that stick in your head, believe me.
His unique style blending rap and reggae, this authentic Tunisian vibe, allowed his audience to expand even beyond borders. Honestly, he left behind a fine artistic legacy, even if for him, it was always more about the message than money.
Beyond rap, he also took the step into acting, participating in Woh! in 2016 and especially in Ragouj El Kanaz, a TV series that many loved during Ramadan 2025. A true touch of a versatile artist.
Private life and surprising anecdotes about Kafon
In his private life, Kafon remained quite discreet, but we know he was surrounded by a faithful close circle, family and friends. What strikes with him is especially his courage in the face of his illness, that nasty Buerger’s disease.
In 2017, he revealed his battle against this disease affecting the arteries and greatly weakening him. He fought this battle with incredible dignity, even when he had to undergo two amputations. It’s impressive and moving at the same time.
We must also remember his collaborations, notably with Hamzaoui Mohamed Amine, with whom he co-wrote Houmani, a duo that marked the history of Tunisian rap. Their chemistry back then? Honestly magical.
This year, shortly before his passing, Kafon made headlines by briefly reappearing on TV, proving once again that the end of his artistic career did not mean he disappeared from our collective memories.
Kafon today: news, tributes, and recent projects
Since his passing, the world of Tunisian rap is in mourning, but his music continues to resonate. Tributes pour in everywhere, on Réalités Magazine as well as on social networks where his songs are shared repeatedly.
There is also the series Ragouj El Kanaz that still reminds us of his acting talent and the way he knew how to convey intense emotions. His presence is still strongly felt.
If you want to find his tracks, his official channel is full of powerful clips. No wonder it is a rallying point for his loyal fans on YouTube.
His artistic testament is also a call not to forget social struggles. Every collaboration, every track was a battle against injustice, which earned him great admiration, even among the youth today.
The legacy of Kafon and his impact on Tunisian music
Kafon’s death left a huge void. Yet, his music remains a guide, a survival manual for many. His unique style, his authentic voice, paved the way for a new generation of committed artists.
Tunisian rap, it’s partly him who brought it out of the shadows, with this unique mix of rage and hope found in his songs. He’s not just an artist; he is a symbol.
His lyrics are still sung in neighborhoods, taken up in protests, like a peaceful weapon to make the voice of the forgotten heard. His legacy goes far beyond his discography.
And if we look to the future, his heritage is becoming a major source of inspiration, not only for music but for a whole Tunisian culture in full mutation.
List: The highlights of Kafon’s journey 🎤🔥
- 🎶 The release of “Houmani” after the Tunisian Revolution, which changed everything for him.
- 🎬 His participation in the film Woh! and the series Ragouj El Kanaz.
- 💪 His courageous fight against Buerger’s disease, revealed in 2017.
- 🤝 His collaboration with Hamzaoui Mohamed Amine, a flagship duo of Tunisian rap.
- 📱 His success on digital platforms with hits like Maâlich and Chek Chek.
- ⚡ His lasting impact on the Tunisian urban music scene.
