Bassma Boussel is a rising star in the Arab music scene, known for her powerful voice and captivating stage presence. With a passion for music that runs deep, she first gained widespread recognition as a contestant on the popular reality show Star Academy. Since then, Boussel has evolved into a skilled and versatile artist, blending contemporary styles with her unique cultural influences. However, Boussel’s story isn’t just about music—it’s about balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and artistry in an ever-evolving career. As a mother, she seamlessly blends family life with her musical ambitions, proving that one can nurture both personal dreams and professional success. As she returned to the music industry after years away, eniGma’s Reham Adel had the opportunity to chat with Bassma Boussel about her life journey, including motherhood, business, and her triumphant comeback to music.
The road to becoming a successful artist is rarely a straight line, and for many, it begins with a pivotal moment or a life-changing experience. For Bassma Boussel, that moment came during her time at Star Academy, a popular talent show that has launched many careers in the entertainment industry. Boussel shares a deep appreciation for the experience, describing it as an “educational, artistic, research phase.”
For her, it was akin to being in school—learning not only the mechanics of performance but also the essential skills needed to navigate the complexities of the music industry. “It taught me how to stand on stage, my vocal range, and what suits my voice,” she explains, emphasising that the academy was more than just a stepping stone—it was a foundational part of Boussel’s artistic development. “It was honestly one of the best things I’ve done that shaped the person I am now,” she reveals with a smile.
For Boussel, motherhood has been a deeply fulfilling experience, noting that her decision to step back from singing when her children were young was quite conscious. “The most important role to me is being a mother” adding that she takes caring for her children seriously. “You see everything that happens in their daily lives, and as a mother, it’s important to be 100% present during those formative years,” she explains. “I honestly feel that this pause in my career was a blessing from God. It allowed me to be there for my children in ways I could never have imagined, and in return, I grew even more as a mother.”
As her children grew older, Boussel began to ease back into work, but it wasn’t without careful consideration. “At first, it was more about investments and business ventures. I wasn’t doing everything on my own—I had a team to help.” Now, with her children older, Boussel finds herself in a more comfortable space. “I feel like I’m finally in a place where I can blend both aspects of my life—being a mother and pursuing my passion for music.”
Boussel adjusted her work life to maintain closeness with her children by creating a studio at home. “I built my own studio at home. That way, I can work and still be present for them.” Her approach to motherhood and work reflects a strong commitment to being involved in both worlds. Even when she’s on business trips, she doesn’t hesitate to bring her children along whenever possible. “I want my children to know that we can be close, even when I’m working. It’s about making them a part of what I do and letting them be a part of my journey.”
As a mother, Boussel views her journey not just as a personal story, but as a lesson for her children. She is determined to pass on valuable life lessons, grounded in patience, acceptance, and self-awareness, hoping to shape their futures with the wisdom she’s gained from her own experiences. “I always tell my kids that the most important thing in life is patience. You have to accept everything that happens to you, even when it’s difficult,” she shares.
This philosophy of acceptance is at the heart of her parenting. She teaches her children to trust in the process, to accept both the good and the bad, and to see challenges as opportunities for growth. “When things don’t go as expected, I want them to understand that it’s okay. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about learning from your mistakes and moving forward,” Boussel says.
Another core lesson she imparts to her children is the idea that happiness comes from within. “They are the ones who need to learn how to make themselves happy. It’s not about relying on someone else—your happiness should never depend on anyone else.” These lessons, drawn from her own personal journey, are her most precious gifts to her children—a blueprint for navigating life with grace, resilience, and love.
In addition to being a mother, she is also an entrepreneur in the skincare and cosmetics industry. “For me, skincare is one of my biggest passions,” Boussel shares with a smile. “It’s not just about beauty or makeup for me, taking care of your skin is a form of self-love, and I feel that self-confidence comes from so many different places, but a healthy, glowing complexion is a big part of it.”
Her love for skincare runs deep, particularly because of her Moroccan heritage. “As a Moroccan, I’ve always been taught to take care of my skin using traditional methods. It’s been a part of my culture for as long as I can remember, so it was a natural extension of my own interests to turn this passion into a business.”
Balancing her growing cosmetics business with her music career comes with its challenges. “It’s definitely a challenge,” she admits, laughing. “I started working on expanding the skincare business, bringing in new investors, and building a more professional team. I needed to let go of some of the responsibilities because I couldn’t give 100% to both areas on my own,” she explains.
This shift in focus allowed Boussel to give more time and attention to her skincare business while still maintaining her music career. “Now, I feel like I can focus on both. I spend about 70% of my time on my music and 30% on the business, but I have an amazing team that handles the day-to-day operations.”
As her company continues to expand, she’s now poised for an exciting new chapter. “We’ve had a lot of success in Egypt, and now we’re working on bringing our products to Saudi Arabia. The paperwork is all done, and we’re aiming to launch there within the next year,” she shares, clearly excited about the future. “It’s not just about expanding the business for me; it’s about giving our clients access to the best products. We’re introducing more advanced formulas and products imported from abroad that will make a real difference for our customers,” Boussel says, her passion for both her music and skincare lines shining through.
Drifting back to music, Boussel has always been inspired by the rich cultural diversity and unique sounds of her homeland. “My Moroccan background has played a huge role in shaping my music,” Boussel explains. Looking forward, Boussel has big plans to bring her Moroccan roots to the forefront of her future music. “For my next albums, I want to focus on bringing more authentic Moroccan instruments into my music—those sounds that are so special to us. We have a wide range of unique instruments, and I want to experiment with them in my music, blending them with both Eastern and Western styles,” she says, visibly excited about the direction her music is taking.
Deciding on which song is closest to her heart, Boussel offers a thoughtful and sincere response. “Honestly, that’s a very difficult question,” she admits, acknowledging the deep connection she has to every song she’s ever recorded. “Each song I sing has its own message, its own psychological state. My songs are like my babies, and I couldn’t choose just one. They all represent different parts of me.”
Despite her hesitation to pick a single favorites, she is excited for her new song Adreen Ya Hob (We Are Able, Love) as currently it has a profound effect on her. “There is one song that I’ve been listening to a lot lately, and I’m really happy that I made it,” she says with a smile. “The lyrics are all positive, and every time I listen to it, I feel a boost of energy. Honestly, it’s been like a mantra for me.” With Adreen Ya Hob serving as her daily source of positive energy, Boussel continues to use her platform to promote music that heals, uplifts, and inspires.
For her, music has always had a transformative power, not just in terms of the message, but also in how it can elevate one’s energy. “I believe music is one of the most influential things in our society,” Boussel continues. “It’s not just about the message. The frequencies in music play a huge role too. There’s a growing awareness, especially in the West, about how certain frequencies can affect human emotions.”
This belief in the emotional and psychological power of music is something she takes seriously in her own work. “That’s why it’s so important to preserve clean, positive music. When you listen to classic songs by legends like Umm Kulthum or Abdel Halim Hafez, you can feel the difference. Their music has a certain energy that can uplift you.”
For Boussel, preserving the spirit of traditional music and the values of fine art is essential. “I always tell the musicians, distributors, and songwriters I work with, ‘I want a meaningful song.’ I want to make music that connects people to something positive, something that moves their soul.”
She feels a deep responsibility to create music that not only resonates with listeners but also contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage. “Egypt is the city of art, and we must take care to preserve its fine art. Our next generation must understand the importance of this responsibility. Music is a reflection of our souls, and we have a responsibility to ensure that the art we create brings out the best in people and society as a whole.” she adds thoughtfully.
Being a successful artist comes with its fair share of pressures, expectations, and, at times, the harshness of social media. For many, these external pressures can feel overwhelming, but for Boussel, she’s learned to navigate the noise with grace and focus. She opens up about how she manages to stay grounded, despite the demands and negativity that can often come with fame. “When I first returned to music, I was so surprised,” Boussel reflects. “I made a decision that day—I won’t let negativity or pressure get to me,” she says with conviction. “I’m not here to be number one, to have the highest views, or to compete for the spotlight. I do this for the love of music, for the people who truly care about my art. I’m not concerned with anything negative. I don’t care about the gossip.”
What matters to her is the impact she can make through her music. “I want to reach as many people as possible, to make them feel something. If my music can touch someone’s heart, if it can give someone the strength they need, then I’ve done my job. That’s what matters to me,” she says, her voice filled with genuine passion.
Her approach to handling the pressures that come with fame is one of mindfulness. By staying true to her own vision and focusing on the positive, Boussel has found peace in a sometimes-chaotic world. “I’m not here for validation or to compete. I’m here because I love making music. I just keep moving forward, one song at a time, knowing that this journey is mine to enjoy.” With this mindset, Boussel continues to carve her own path in the music world, unaffected by the distractions of social media or external judgment.
For Boussel, authenticity is key. “If what you’re doing isn’t real, if it doesn’t come from the heart, it won’t resonate with people,” she says. “The most important thing is to stay true to yourself and your art. Let it come from who you are, because that’s the only way it will reach others.”
Reflecting on her decision to return to music, she recalls the challenges she faced and the resolve that ultimately drove her to pursue her passion again. “There was a time when everyone was doing covers, singing songs on stage, and no one would say anything about it. But every time I covered a song, it felt like people were putting limits on me,” Boussel explains.
This feeling of being restricted, of not being able to fully express herself as an artist, made Boussel question her place in the music industry. “For a while, I thought, ‘Why am I being stopped?’ And honestly, I didn’t think I would go back to singing professionally. It became something I did for fun,” she admits.
Despite these frustrations, Boussel had a realisation that changed everything. “One day, I decided, ‘I’m going to make my own songs. I’m going to push through and create something that’s truly mine. I know my voice, I know what I want to say, and I’m going to do it for myself,’” she says with conviction.
Her determination to follow her heart led her to take control of her musical destiny. It was this defiance, this refusal to be limited, that marked her official return to music—a return not as a mere performer, but as a creator of her own work, ready to take risks and trust her own voice. This decision wasn’t just about making music again; it was about asserting her identity as an artist. “I’m very stubborn when it comes to doing things I believe in,” she laughs. “Once I made that decision, there was no turning back.”
However, the most significant takeaway from Boussel maybe that readiness doesn’t come before action in the art industry, action itself is what makes you ready. “Don’t worry about being ‘ready,’” she insists. “You’re never going to feel fully prepared. Just start. You’ll learn from your mistakes along the way, and you’ll grow. The journey will teach you everything you need to know. The more you do, the more you’ll discover about yourself and your craft.”
Unlike business, where success often follows a structured plan, Boussel believes that art doesn’t have a clear-cut blueprint. “In business, you plan, then act. In art, it’s the opposite. The plan will come to you as you create. Boussel’s message is a powerful one: don’t wait for the perfect moment, because it will never come. Start now, and let your journey shape you.
When it comes to personal aspirations, Boussel is focused on gratitude and spiritual fulfillment rather than material success. “My ambitions are simple,” she says humbly. “I don’t ask for a lot, honestly. I’m just so grateful for everything I’ve been given. Blessings and peace of mind are what I ask for the most.”
As for what inspires her to create, Boussel finds motivation in the simplicity of daily rituals that help her stay grounded. “Every morning, I have a certain routine that sets the tone for my day,” she shares. “I love doing meditation, going for walks, or just sitting in a quiet place to do breathing exercises and clear my mind. I feel that when I connect with nature and take a moment to pray and appreciate the world around me, it gives me the energy I need to be creative.” As her creativity doesn’t come from pressure—it comes from balance and reflection.
Bassma Boussel’s return isn’t just a comeback—it is a statement of independence, passion, and resilience. She has proven that despite any obstacles on the way, the drive to create and share music on her own terms is stronger than any challenge. Now, with her own songs in the spotlight, she’s embracing her journey and reminding others that, sometimes, you have to push through the doubts and restrictions to truly find your voice.
Photography: Mohamed Salama
Art Direction & Styling: Israa Galal
Suit Dress by MOONMAINS Clothing
Jewelery: Tiffany & Co.
Makeup: Maryam Abdel Aziz
Hair Styling: Malak Samy
BTS & Content Creation: Ahmed Tarek