He views his music as both his "education" (sharing knowledge and street wisdom) and his "craft" (the technical skill of lyricism). It is his way of "rising up" ( tal3a l'fouq ) without following the traditional, often failing, social scripts.
Like much of his work with Muslim and the Kachela crew, the song serves as a mirror to the youth. It captures the anxiety of a generation that feels the "clock is ticking" and must choose a path before the street chooses one for them. Why It Resonates
The title poses a classic Moroccan dilemma: should a young person pursue (formal education/academic path) or a sen3a (a manual trade or professional craft)?.
Represents the hope for a "clean" future through degrees, though often portrayed with skepticism due to high unemployment rates for graduates in the late 2000s.
Represents immediate survival and "hand-earned" money, reflecting the reality of many who leave school early to support their families. The "Deep Story" of the Song
The track (Education or a Craft) by La-N Aka Amir L9wafi is a foundational piece of Moroccan rap from the Tangier-based Kachela collective, released around 2009. The "story" it tells is a gritty, realistic exploration of the crossroads faced by Moroccan youth in urban neighborhoods. The Central Conflict: Pen vs. Tool