Kytao born April 22, 1981 in Casablanca, Morocco, is a multi-talented artist, photographer, DJ and Franco-Moroccan director, founder of the French Cut™ label based in Paris.

He was one of the first models of North African origin to parade for major brands and in magazines. Retired from the podiums, the one who chose the nickname Kytao, brings out beauty in his photos and films within his French Cut structure.

Franco-Moroccan, Kytao was born in April 1981 in Casablanca. He then followed his sportsman father and settled in Stalingrad in the 19th arrondissement of Paris. After a stint in the south of France, he began hip hop dancing at the age of 16 within the Vagabond Crew. "I had a friend, a big brother Mohamed Belarbi who got me into it. I followed the movement. I'm not particularly into dancing but I find myself among the group of the best dancers of the time. »

After an economic and social baccalaureate, he began studying psychology, "to do well". At the same time as his studies, the young man cannot sit still. Already having the verve and the taste for the image, he started writing screenplays and even a manga in 1999. "I love the universe, medieval history and Japanese codes," says the artist. When we were younger, we were attracted to Club Dorothée cartoons (Cobra, Knights of the Zodiac, etc.). I invented my own. Through a designer friend, I had it published, in all humility, by a Japanese publishing house under the name Kytao. The character was born at that moment. It then became my nickname when I started photography and directing. »

With this book published, he sees things differently and feels himself growing wings. He can then count on his talent and resourcefulness to move forward. "I didn't necessarily see myself continuing in the manga. What I loved was observing human behavior and telling stories. Regardless of the form of expression, I wanted to give free rein to my imagination. »

Self-taught, he learned images, screenwriting and directing. While he is a dancer, he participates in shows and some music videos. Still photographers offer him photos for a magazine. Through Sofia Boutella, he began his career as a model. Yamamoto's muse for two years, we can see him at Benetton, Marithé&François Girbaud, Dior, Vogue, GQ, etc… "I know it's not me. Without doing it reluctantly, I earn money. But this is just a step for me. There I learned aesthetics, styling, the use of the body, light, etc. It was for me a milestone for the future. »

His look pleases. We can see him on buses and metros, especially since he is the first North African to be highlighted in this not very colorful world at the time. »I am the only model who looks a little mixed race. I had a bit of an afro cut. Since then, I have decided to make a break with this image. My desire to wear a mask comes from the fact that I prioritize work over people. I have always been a discreet person. »

His journey in fashion introduced him to big names in photography. "I observed that the more sided they were, the easier it seemed. They not only had technical mastery but also vision. This was the path that interested me. I am part of a generation that went from DV to 4K, from film to digital. It's simpler today and more accessible. »

From an artistic collective, he founded a talent and communication agency, musical production and image development. French Cut was born. » I felt very quickly that image would be at the heart of our society. Even though I was lonely in my modeling journey, you can't do good work alone. Otherwise, we make still lifes! There are no rules for understanding aesthetics. Certain works stand the test of time and by cultivating one's eye, one becomes aware of the artistic power. Beauty is just emotion! »

Passionate about combat sports (grappling, Thai boxing, etc.), he learns rigor, perseverance and surpassing oneself. With a constant desire to renew himself, he gradually moved into the shade and moved towards the production of music videos and short films in 2001. Attracted by video concepts, Kytao became a reference in the profession with big names in hip hop (L'Artiste, Diams, Lil Wayne, Mohombi, etc.). After 20 years of career, he has just reached his 300th music video!

Very attached to his country of origin, Kytao often returns to Casablanca. "It's one of the cities where I feel the best in the world. I am myself in the city as well as in its slums. It has a soul like Istanbul, Tokyo or Los Angeles. I like the nocturnal side and cities that live at night. The somewhat dark side appeals to me. Light/dark hides infinite possibilities. » Always looking for new projects for the Kingdom, a French Cut structure should open soon in Marrakech to accommodate new opportunities.

Always looking for a new challenge, he focuses on his current subject: people passionate about cosplay. An incredible activity that involves dressing up as a superhero. "I discovered this universe in Japan where I go regularly. I wanted to understand what types of people were going to take the step of integrating this world of manga and superheroes. It is widely practiced in France. They make their own costumes, personalize them and even play the character in "role play". There is no particular category behind this passion. They take pleasure in doing it and expressing themselves in this way. In conclusion, they escape from everyday life. » This book will be called "Heroes" and will be released in November 2023.

A perfectionist, 80% of his work is forgotten. His desire: whether it is striking, impactful or subtle. "I am constantly building. I'm not looking to express myself or be successful. My reference is internal. The road is so long if I want to reach my goal. My need is to create timeless beauty! »

Yassir Guelzim
February 15, 2022
The Atlas Courier

https://frenchcut.fr