Cheb Khaled is the most famous singer of raï music. It is he who modernized the traditional Algerian raï and thereby made it accessible to a large international audience. Fearing for his life, Khaled emigrated to France in 1986 and continued his successful career there. Because he felt it was wrong to sing cheerful songs in a country where murdered loved ones were mourned, it wasn't until 2000
… before Khaled performed again in Algeria. Khaled's message to the world is therefore: love, peace and brotherhood. The studio album Ya-Rayi is somewhat of a 'back to the Algerian roots' album. The ten tracks (re) discover the raï, as it sounded in the Algerian clubs and cabarets around 1985. This is mainly reflected in a more striking role for acoustic instruments and in Arabic spiced arrangements. The Algerian National Radio Orchestra accompanies the singer on the track H'Mama. Khaled's richly hued and flexible voice, Ya-Rayi's subtle organic production and laid-back festive character will appeal to both traditional and progressive audiences. A great achievement! (SvdP)more