The Unsung Hero of Music: How Copyright Transformed Yassine Ben Feddoul's Musical Journey

Yassine Ben Feddoul first picked up a guitar in 2015 at the age of 18, but it wasn’t with dreams of fame or fortune. Born to a modest family in Meknes, Morocco, his first encounter with the instrument came during breaks from studying to become a mathematician. Jamming with friends at university was just a pastime. Little did he know that the strings he strummed would one day resonate across Morocco and beyond.

In 2017, an unexpected opportunity arose when Yassine was asked to join Radio Medina FM, a Meknes-based station. The program he was on featured famous singers performing acoustic versions of their songs, and Yassine became the go-to guitarist for the show. Playing alongside professional artists allowed him to make invaluable connections that would help kickstart his professional career.

His first big break came in 2018 at the prestigious Festival Mawazine in Rabat, which features artists like Camilla Cabello, Calvin Harris, and other international and Arab superstars. Performing a solo on stage, Yassine’s guitar skills captivated the audience. "That solo was a game-changer,” he said. “It put me on the radar of established artists, opening doors to exciting collaborations. Being the youngest musician on a professional artist’s tour in Morocco at the time solidified my belief that this wasn’t just a passion—it was a career I was meant to pursue."

Yassine Ben Feddoul (left) performing on stage with Moroccan singer Douaa Lahyaoui. Yassine, holding a guitar, is smiling and pointing at a music stand while Douaa Lahyaoui, dressed in a white outfit, looks on. The stage is illuminated with warm orange and red lighting. — Yassine Ben Feddoul (left) on stage Moroccan singer Douaa Lahyaoui (right) (photo: Adil Oujaa).

As Yassine’s reputation as a rising talent grew, so did his curiosity about the business side of music. He started wondering how musicians make money beyond performances, which led him to discover copyright, royalties, and the role of Morocco’s Office of Copyright and Related Rights (Bureau Marocain des Droits d'Auteur et Droits Voisins – BMDAV). The office leverages WIPO Connect, an online platform that facilitates the collective management of copyright and related rights, ensuring fair and efficient royalty distribution.

Along the way, he also started writing songs for other artists, creating “demos” to pitch to singers. His first major success as a composer came with “Mallina,” a hit performed by Moroccan singer Ihab Amir in 2019. The song now garners over 100 million views on YouTube. Since then, Yassine’s works—spanning over 70 songs—have amassed 800 million plays across digital platforms.

By 2021, Yassine had secured publishing rights for his compositions, ensuring he would earn royalties, collected by the BMDAV, whenever his music was played on radio, TV, or in public spaces. This financial support gave him the stability to pursue music full-time. “Without these royalties, I wouldn’t have been able to take risks,” he said. “I don’t have to look for a desk job to make ends meet. Copyright royalties allow me to focus on my music and explore new opportunities.”

Yassine Ben Feddoul (middle) performing on stage at Bahja Music Festival with Rajaa Belmir (left) and Omar Belmir (right). The stage is illuminated with colorful neon palm tree visuals. Rajaa and Omar Belmir hold a microphone and Yassine Benfeddoul plays the guitar. — Yassine Ben Feddoul (middle) on stage at Bahja Music Festival with Rajaa Belmir (left) and Omar Belmir (right) (photo: Azeddine Maizi).

Yet, as Yassine points out, digital earnings in Morocco remain a challenge. The BMDAV has not yet distributed royalties for digital music usage and musicians in Morocco are awaiting the first distribution of digital royalties by BMDAV. However, Yassine has been able to rely on his publishing royalties, which cover his compositions. “Many upcoming artists don’t realize that selling a song isn’t the end,” he notes. “Through distribution and publishing, you can keep earning long after the song is released.”

Yassine is passionate about educating others about the benefits of copyright. “To any upcoming or established artist, I’d say, do your research. Make sure you’re paid fairly and join your local copyright management organization. It’s not just about making music, it’s about building a future.”

Yassine’s story is a testament to the transformative power of copyright. It’s more than a tool for protecting artistic works—it’s a foundation for sustainable careers, innovation, and cultural growth. By ensuring that creators are fairly compensated, copyright empowers artists like Yassine to focus on their craft, push boundaries, and inspire others.