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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 early, on May 10, 2025, at the age of 42. His imposing stature of almost 1.80 m was reflected not only in his presence but also in his powerful music.
You know, this 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 people, telling the harsh life of working-class neighborhoods like no one else had before him.
His path before shining in music wasn’t straightforward at all. He grew up in the streets of Tunis, then started writing his lyrics, mixing rap and reggae, with a style that really smelled of Tunisian earth.
Besides music, he had that something that pushed him toward acting: he acted in the film Woh! and until recently in the series Ragouj El Kanaz broadcast during Ramadan 2025. This guy was multidimensional, really.
Kafon: the icon of engaged Tunisian rap and his origins
Kafon, or Ahmed Laabidi, you can well imagine, was the child of the 2011 Tunisian revolution. 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 upheaval.
He was born and raised in Tunis, where the mixture of cultures and difficulties shaped his artistic identity. Honestly, he succeeded in infusing 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 mixing rap and Tunisian reggae, he made a name for himself both in working-class neighborhoods and beyond. Songs like Maâlich, Chek Chek, or Chbini w Binek still circulate on all platforms, somewhat like a reminder that his message continues to resonate.
But don’t think music was his only passion. His turn 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, very real struggles. This guy didn’t come from a golden background, and you could feel it in his lyrics tinged with lived experience and raw authenticity.
His emergence in Tunisian urban music just after the revolution was like a breath of fresh air for a whole generation. Imagine, at that moment, the scene was ready for a wave of renewal, and Kafon grabbed it with both hands.
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 quality, on the everyday life of youth in working-class neighborhoods who until then had no real voice.
Moreover, he was such a humble guy that even when recognition came, he stayed close to his roots, always with this desire to represent those who had seen him grow.
Impressive successes and Kafon’s musical career
One can say that 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 that success didn’t stop there. Laabidi followed up with Maâlich, Chek Chek, and Chbini w Binek, tracks that ignited digital platforms. He had that knack for melodies that stay in your head, believe me.
His unique style mixing rap and reggae, that 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 a story of message than money.
Beyond rap, he also took the step into comedy, participating in Woh! in 2016 and especially in Ragouj El Kanaz, a TV series that many loved during Ramadan 2025. A real 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 disease called Buerger’s disease.
In 2017, he revealed his struggle against this disease affecting the arteries and greatly weakening him. This fight was led with incredible dignity, even when he had to undergo two amputations. It’s impressive and moving at the same time.
Also worth noting are his collaborations, notably with Hamzaoui Mohamed Amine, with whom he co-wrote Houmani, a duo that marked the history of Tunisian rap. Their chemistry at the time? 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 had disappeared from our collective memories.
Kafon today: news, tributes, and recent projects
Since his passing, the Tunisian rap world 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 reminds us again of his acting talent and how he knew how to convey intense emotions. His presence is still strongly felt.
If you want to find his sounds, 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 engaged artists.
Tunisian rap is somewhat his creation, brought out of the shadows, with that unique mix of rage and hope found in his songs. He wasn’t just an artist, he was a symbol.
His words are still sung in neighborhoods, echoed in protests, somewhat like a peaceful weapon to make the forgotten voices heard. His legacy goes far beyond his discography.
And looking to the future, his heritage is becoming a major source of inspiration, not only for music but for an entire Tunisian culture in full transformation.
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 in Tunisian rap.
- 📱 His success on digital platforms with hits like Maâlich and Chek Chek.
- ⚡ His lasting impact on the Tunisian urban music scene.
