Calendar overview Calendar

2025 is a pivotal year for Sef (Yousef Gnaoui). Never before has he struck such a chord with Dutch music lovers as he has this year with his album Lieve Monsters. On this album, he captures the spirit of the times and gives voice to his generation, expressing what is current and relevant. He observes, describes, and questions what he sees. Guided by human emotion, he reflects on what it means to live in an era where humans and machines are increasingly intertwining. By combining electronic and acoustic, human-played instruments, Sef translates this exploration into music. By blending sounds, styles, and genres, he continually pushes his artistic boundaries and seeks paths never traveled before, making him one of the most relevant musicians in Dutch pop music.

Edison

It has long been clear that Sef follows his own unique path. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, he performed his album El Salvador (2020) with a special orchestra. His album Ik Zou Voor Veel Kunnen Sterven Maar Niet Voor Een Vlag (2023) was accompanied by a full-length film and won the prestigious Edison Award for Best Album, as well as the 3voor12 Award for Best Dutch Album of the Year. With every release, he aims to surprise his audience. After the politically engaged album Ik Zou Voor Veel Kunnen Sterven Maar Niet Voor Een Vlag and the collaboration with Abel (Hang Youth) on IJSLAND (2024), he presents a more personal side on Lieve Monsters. This approach resonates — not only with the press, which has given him glowing reviews, but also with the public. In the main tent at Lowlands 2025, he delivers one of the most acclaimed and talked-about performances of the festival weekend and the entire year. 3voor12 calls it a “fantastic show,” while OOR refers to it as a “rock-solid performance.” A subsequent concert at Paradiso sold out in just ten minutes, as did a quickly announced additional show. With his performance at AFAS Live on December 10, 2026, he crowns his achievements with a milestone event.

De Leven

Sef first gained recognition as a member of the hip-hop group Flinke Namen, which broke through nationally in 2009. He later achieved chart success multiple times through collaborations with acts such as The Opposites, Dio, and Gers Pardoel. He made his solo debut in 2011 with De Leven on TopNotch. The title track has become a classic in Dutch hip-hop and is now part of the Canon of Dutch Pop Music. In addition to being a rapper, songwriter, and performer, Sef is also a director and creative director. He has directed numerous music videos and album covers and has created stage designs for major artists such as De Jeugd Van Tegenwoordig, Froukje & S10, and Frenna.