Raï (Algérie)

Style musical algérien urbain

Raï (Algeria)

The raï is the popular musical style of Algeria, born in the 1920s-30s in Oran. Initially a traditional Bedouin music with female vocals, raï evolved into a modern urban style blending pop, funk and electronic elements. Instruments such as the electric guitar, saxophone and synthesizers accompany texts in Arabic, French and Kabyle.

The pioneers of the first generation include Cheikh Remtane and Aissa Djermouni, while the second generation comprises Cheb Hasni and modern raï. In the 1980s-2000s, stars like Cheb Khaled (“Aïcha”), Cheb Mami, and Faudel internationalized raï. More recently, Soolking, Djarma and the new generation of raï-mix perpetuate the style.

Raï is also popular in Maghrebi communities in France and Europe.