Manal Biography: Husband, Singles, Awards, Age, Net Worth, Height, Siblings, Parents

  Manal Benchlikha, known professionally as Manal, is a Moroccan pop singer-songwriter who has redefined Arabic music with her bold fusion of Maghreb hip-hop, Afro-pop, and Afro-house.

Rising to fame with her 2015 debut single “Denia,” which earned her the Best Female Artist in Northern Africa at the Africa Music Awards, she gained further acclaim with hits like “Taj” and “Slay.”

Her socially conscious lyrics and genre-blending style, combined with her massive online following, have established her as a trailblazer in Moroccan and global music scenes.

Profile

• Full Name: Manal Benchlikha
• Stage Name: Manal
• Born: September 18, 1993
• Age: 31 years old
• Birthplace: Casablanca, Morocco
• Nationality: Moroccan
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter
• Height: 1.65m
• Parents: Mr. Benchlikha and Mrs. Benchlikha
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Moncef Guessous (m. 2019)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $3 million

Early Life and Education

Manal Benchlikha was born on September 18, 1993, in Casablanca, Morocco, to Mr. Benchlikha and Mrs. Benchlikha. Information about her siblings is not publicly known.

Raised in Marrakech, she developed a passion for music at a young age, teaching herself to play the guitar and sing. She pursued a degree in Business and Finance at a university in Marrakesh and later began a PhD program, balancing her academic pursuits with her budding music career. Her ethnicity is Moroccan, and she is Muslim.

Career

Manal Benchlikha began her career by posting cover songs on YouTube, where she was discovered by Hamza Ait Khali, partner of Moroccan producer DJ Van. In 2015, she debuted with “Denia” under DJ Van’s Magic Castle Entertainment, a deeply personal song written by her mother during a difficult period following her father’s death.

The single earned her the Best Female Artist in Northern Africa at the 2015 Africa Music Awards. Her follow-up, “Koulchi Ban” (2017), gained critical acclaim, leading to a historic signing with Sony Music Middle East in October 2017, making her one of the first Moroccan artists to join a major Arab label.

Her 2018 single, “Taj,” marked a bold shift to rap, addressing issues such as sexual harassment and gender stereotypes, and became one of the most viewed Arabic rap songs by a female artist. Collaborations with Moroccan rap duo Shayfeen on “Nah” and ElGrandeToto on “Slay” further propelled her fame, with “Slay” earning global recognition on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlists.

In 2019, she signed a distribution deal with RCA Records, a division of Sony Music France, through her label, Bench & Guess Entertainment, co-founded with her husband, Moncef Guessous. Her debut album, 360 (2021), featured hits like “Niya” and “3ARI,” the latter addressing domestic violence, earning praise for its powerful message.

Manal remains a transformative force in Arabic music, with her second album, Arabian Heartbreak (2024), showcasing her evolving sound. Her performance of “3ARI” for COLORS in 2022 and her appearance at the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony highlighted her global reach.

She continues to advocate for women’s empowerment and cultural expression through songs like “Makhelaw Magalou” (2022), while her label supports emerging talent. Her influence, amplified by over 4.5 million Instagram followers and 2 million YouTube subscribers, has redefined Moroccan music for a new generation.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @manalbenchlikha
• Facebook Handle: Manal
• Twitter Handle: @ManalBk_BK

Personal Life

Manal Benchlikha married Moncef Guessous in 2019, and the couple co-manages Bench & Guess Entertainment. They have no children. Known for her vibrant fashion sense, she often showcases Moroccan designers like Boreas and blends traditional jalabiyas with modern streetwear.

Discography

• Denia (2015)
• Koulchi Ban (2017)
• Taj (2018)
• Nah (2018)
• Slay (2018)
• Niya (2021)
• 3ARI (2022)
• Makhelaw Magalou (2022)
• 360 (2021)
• Arabian Heartbreak (2024)

Net Worth

Manal Benchlikha has an estimated net worth of $3 million. Her wealth is derived from her music career, including album sales, streaming revenue, and performances at high-profile events like the World Cup.

Her social media influence, with over 4.5 million Instagram followers and 2 million YouTube subscribers, generates significant income through brand endorsements and partnerships, further bolstered by her label, Bench & Guess Entertainment.