2007–2016
Before forming Meteor Airlines, its members had a long-standing presence in the Moroccan music scene, including their southern/home Atlas region. From 2008 onward, they were part of several bands that left a legacy and contributed to the creative growth of Morocco's music industry. Khalid and Ahmed played a pivotal role, respectively in musical compositions and managing a recording studio that became for few years a local hub, fostering talent and producing music for various artists.
2016
Meteor Airlines' journey began in January 2016 in Ait Boubker, a village in Kelaat Mgouna, when Ahmed and Khalid, who had played together previously, were joined by Adnane. Together, they created a band that built on their past experiences while making an immediate strong artistic choice to draw from the rich heritage of Amazigh music. They crafted the foundations of what Meteor Airlines' unique blend of traditional rhythms with the energetic power of modern rock music sounds like today.
Inspired by the imperative to reconnect with their cultural roots, the founding members also drew influence from the vibrant sounds of 70s progressive rock bands.
Ahmed, the lead composer of Meteor Airlines, discovered his passion for music at an early age. By the age of 11, he was already captivating his surroundings with his creativity, often entertaining his community and friends with improvised performances in Tinghir (southern Morocco). Immersed in a world of sound, Ahmed’s ears absorbed thousands of melodies from diverse genres, shaping his musical identity. This exceptionally deep connection to music, combined with his natural talent, laid the foundation for his unique ability to craft unique composition and rhythms.
While brainstorming a name for the band, Ahmed, Adnane, and Khalid reflected on the fields of Ait Boubker, known for their meteor showers lighting up the night skies.
Inspired by the image of meteors and airlines symbolizing unbound journeys, the name "Meteor Airlines" was born, reflecting their vision of taking listeners on a new musical voyage. From the outset, the band aimed to embody the resilience and richness of Morocco’s Amazigh traditions and culture while addressing contemporary issues.
Although this might come as a surprise to its fans, the band initially produced songs in English, including The Antidote (2017), Migrate, Misery Misery, Back in the Day, Once Upon a Time in the Southeast, Silverback Motel, Baby, I’m a Hungry Man!, I Need Somebody, The Final Fight, Rubber Dreams, and I Invented Fire. Composed by Ahmed, written by Adnane, and produced by Khalid, these tracks established the band as a new emerging force in Morocco’s rock music scene.
Performing at local festivals and events across Morocco as an emerging band, a highlight came in 2019 when they participated in L’Boulevard Tremplin, securing third place in the rock category. This achievement allowed them to record the song “Migrate” at the Hiba Foundation studio.
During this period, they also began producing songs in their mother tongue Tamazight, such as Amdikar, Warru, and Tayri. Signature songs like Tawada, Awdyan, and Aha became anthems of resilience during the COVID-19 era, expressing frustration, unity, and solidarity during emotional turmoil. Also historical, Warru, one of their standout tracks, honours the memory of Ait Atta tribes who defended their land and dignity during the Battle of Bougafer 1933, and it continues to captivate audiences with its historical significance.
For nearly two years, the band paused production as members were completing their studies. In 2023, they reunited with a renewed vision. During that time, Farid, Ahmed’s brother, joined as guitarist, and Rachid, their cousin, a long-time friend of the band, as writer of lyrics in Tamazight and taking on the role of band manager. Both added fresh energy. Meteor Airlines then marked their return with a highly anticipated live performance at Tricenty Festival in Rabat’s Cinéma Renaissance (April 2023), showcasing their evolving music identity.
During this performance, the band also introduced Azennar, a traditional Amazigh cape worn by all members on stage. This visual symbolises a sense of collective leadership, and Amazigh ancestry adding a profound cultural resonance to their shows.
In January 2024, Meteor Airlines released their second album, Agdal. An evocative collection of nine songs addressing themes of environmental preservation, climate resilience, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and cultural heritage. The album’s title AGDAL references the Amazigh concept of Agdal, or sacred communal spaces for sustainable resource management, aligning with the band’s advocacy for environmental awareness.
The album launch was a milestone, with a sold-out tour and shows across Morocco. Their performances at major festivals (Timitar festival, WeCasablanca, etc) and their debut international shows captivated audiences with their original mix of Amazigh rhythms and progressive rock.
Agdal earned international accolades, including recognition as Morocco's best modern music album by the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture and the EU’s 2024 CREACT4MED initiative award for the best artistic practice in the Mediterranean region.
In 2024, Meteor Airlines embarked on their first international tours, performing in Austin Texas - USA (South by Southwest), Edinburgh - Scotland, London, Manchester, Liverpool - England, Dublin – Ireland, Paris, and Montpellier - France.
These performances solidified their status as cultural ambassadors for Morocco. Ahmed also represented the band as part of the prestigious OneBeat program (2024) in the US, collaborating with 25 musicians from all around the world.
Meteor Airlines’ music is deeply rooted in their cultural identity. Their performances are immersive experiences, celebrating Amazigh traditions and ancestral poetry while tackling modern issues like climate change, cultural preservation, and resilience. The band continues to evolve, with plans for their next albums and singles featuring international collaborations to bring fresh and original dimensions to their sound. “Meteor Airlines’ creative process is driven by a passion for inspiring, educating, and connecting with audiences worldwide” – Ahmed Ennassiri.
Meteor Airlines’ mission remains to bridge Morocco’s Amazigh cultural heritage with contemporary art, creating music that resonates globally. With new projects and future shows on the horizon, the band aims to reach new audiences and solidify their position as pioneers of Moroccan Amazigh rock. Their journey is a testament to friendship, resilience, and cultural pride. Each song and performance are another step in their odyssey of musical innovation, proving that Amazigh rock sounds can transcend borders, connecting hearts and minds worldwide.
This biography is based largely on interviews conducted with Meteor Airlines.