Yousef Gnaoui, better known as Sef, started his career in the rap group Flinke Namen (‘Big names’), with which he enjoyed hits and toured throughout the Benelux countries. After enjoying hits with The Partysquad, Dio and The Opposites, Sef released his first solo effort in 2011, finding success right away with his debut album De Leven (‘The life’) and the title track. His fourth album El Salvador was released in 2020 and on it, he mixes cheerful sounds with reveries about morbidity, panic attacks and FOMO. He decided to perform the album live with a ten-member orchestra, and now he’s bringing his El Salvador Ensemble to the festival. Earlier in 2023, his latest album Ik Zou Voor Veel Kunnen Sterven Maar Niet Voor Een Vlag (‘I could die for much, but not for a flag’) was brought out, together with a self-directed film. Since 2017, Sef has also been recording a popular podcast with Pepijn Lanen (De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig): Yous & Yay: New Emotions.
