He was born to a Jewish family in Fes renowned for chaabi music.^[3] His father Jacob Abitbol was a leader of the malhun musical tradition in Fes.^[4] The family name Botbol (بوطبول) or Abitbol (أبيتبول) means "father of the drum" in Darija.^[4]^[1]

As a young performer, he excelled in various styles, from aita and chaabi to Gharnati and raï.^[4] He was a multi-instrumentalist, but excelled with the oud and bendir.^[4] He wrote his own lyrics and composed his own music.^[4]

With his family—including his father, his brother Marcel [ar] on the violin, and his brother Claude on percussion—he formed an ensemble performing classical works and poetry.^[4] From 1950, he formed a duo with the Algerian Salim Halali, covering a number of Maghrebi classics.^[3]^[4] In the 1960s, he incorporated various influences into his music, including malhun, gnawa, salsa, reggae, and funk, composing over 80 songs.^[3] At the apex of his career, Botbol worked with the singer and producer Maurice Elbaz.^[3]^[5]

One of Botbol's most notable songs is "Jaya Tomobile."^[3]

Biography

References