From Aircraft Mechanic to Morocco’s Rap Photographer: The Story of Salaheddine El Bouaaichi

Salaheddine El Bouaaichi’s journey is anything but ordinary. Born in 1997 and raised in Marrakech, he first trained and worked as an aircraft mechanic something he had dreamed of since childhood. But despite his technical skills and passion for mechanics, something didn’t feel right.

“I always loved working as an aircraft mechanic. Since I was a kid, I was passionate about mechanics. But over time, I realized the work environment was toxic and draining my energy,” Salaheddine tells Atay Atelier. “That’s when I decided to follow my true passion—photography. It gave me more freedom and joy. Doing what you love really matters.”

That decision changed everything.

Since 2016, Salaheddine has been building a name for himself as a self-taught photographer, capturing the raw energy of Morocco’s streets especially through the lens of its rap and hip-hop scene. His photos, often shot in both analog and digital formats, offer a bold visual language that documents culture as it unfolds.

His deep connection to hip-hop started young:

“I’ve always found hip-hop a powerful culture built on love and respect,” he says. “Since I was a kid, I heard echoes of rap around me. The album Mgharba Tal Lmout in 2006 was my first real connection. Rap inspires me deeply, and I want to create a strong photo archive of the Moroccan rap scene. Something many photographers ignore.”

That archive is growing fast. Salaheddine's photos don't just take faces: they document a moment in history. From album covers to still portraits, his photos mark the beat of a generation.

In 2023, his dedication was rewarded around the globe when he was given the Tasweer Photography Award in Qatar. To a photographer who left security and constraint behind to pursue passion and purpose, it's a powerful accomplishment.

From his perspective, Salaheddine El Bouaaichi offers us the core of a city, the rhythm of its streets, and the power of choosing your own path.