Algerian Music and Musicians

For several centuries, Algerian music was dominated by styles inherited from Al-Andalus, eventually forming a unique North African twist on these poetic forms. Algerian music came to include suites called nuubaat (singular nuuba). Later derivatives include rabaab and hawzii. -Wikipedia

Andalusian music is particularly well developed in Algeria, and is considered the most sophisticated by musical scholars – there exist three schools, the greatest number in the Maghreb region, and the performers invited to festivals across the Maghreb are usually of Algerian origin.

Algerian folk music style, my favorite!

Algeria is the most important voice of folk music in north Africa. Exposing to West-Africa, Sub-Saharan,Ottoman Empire and also Europe produced to huge diversity of folk and traditional music in Algeria. the folk and traditional music of Algeria is still continue to exists and evolves on it’s path and still is one of the leading voice in music of North Africa.

During the history, Islamic culture, Arabic poetry meet with the culture of Ethnic groups in Algeria and mixed up with music comes from Europe (specially Andalusia in south of Spain.)

Souad Massi (سعاد ماسي), (born August 23, 1972), is an Algerian singer, songwriter and guitarist. She began her career performing in the Kabyle political rock band Atakor, before leaving the country following a series of death threats In 1999, Massi performed at the Femmes d’Algérie concert in Paris, which led to a recording contract with Island Records. -Wikipedia

Here’s one of my favorite Souad Massi’s songs…listen how she plays Oud! Amazing! The song called “Only you”

Idir:

Hamid Cheriet (Kabyle: Ḥamid Ceryat; 25 October 1945 – 2 May 2020), better known by his stage name Idir, was an Algerian Kabylesinger-songwriter and musician. Referred to as the “King of Amazigh music“, he is regarded as one of the more significant modern day figures in Algerian and Amazigh culture, history, and struggle.

Initially training to be a geologist, his interest for music was piqued when he was called to sing on state radio as a late substitute. After finishing his compulsory military service, he moved to France in 1975 and embarked on his career in music. Idir took a hiatus during the 1980s before returning in 1993. He was a passionate advocate of the Kabyle and Berber cultures. -Wikipedia

My favorite song by Idir:

A Vava Inouva” is one of these old legends known to young and old, and which is passed on as a family jewel, from generation to generation. It is the story of an old man whose feet have taken root and finds himself trapped in a forest populated by ferocious beasts and hungry ogres.

The girl knocked on him door calling: “Oh father Inouva, open the door for me, I am scared of the beast in the forest.”

He replied: “Oh stranger girl! shake your bracelets so I know you are not the beast.”

This legend was told in many different ways! I think I was able to find the right story.

Amine Babylone:

Most people agree that just being talented is not enough in this world, one needs to be consistent in their efforts in order to become successful. Talent and hard work go hand in hand.

Amine Babylone, whose real name is Djemmal Mohammed Amine, born February 8, 1990 in Sidi Ghiles in the wilaya of Tipaza, is a Surgeon Dentist, Author, Composer, Singer and Actor. Wow!

Last week, I met with a group of people at work, one of the guys asked me where I am originally from, so I replied “Algeria”

He looked at me and said “Zina” which is an Algerian name and it means “Beautiful”

Well, I thought he’s flirting with me! 🫣

Then he added: “ I love the song Zina!”

My reaction at that embarrassing moment: 😳🤗😅

The clip for the song Zina now has more than 156 million views on the Youtube platform.

I hope you enjoyed my stories and music.