This is the first episode in a multiple-episode series on a musical style from North Africa that came to be a strong player on the World Music scene in the last two decades. It is called Rai. This series will consider the development of Rai music within the complex Algerian cultural and socio-political settings of the twentieth century. Throughout the series, we will listen to short musical excerpts from the repertoire of the major Rai performers. Today, we highlight the birthplace and possible origins of Rai and take a look at some precursors of this genre, including the Bedouin Malhun, the Sheikhat, the Meddahat, and al-Wahrani style. This episode includes excerpts from songs by Cheikh Hamada, Ahmed Wahby, Blaoui Houari, Cheb Khaled, and Chebba Zahouania.
Sources and further reading:
Daoudi, B. & Miliani H. L'aventure du Raï
Drewett, M & Cloonan, M. Popular Music Censorship in Africa
Plastino, G. Mediterranean Mosaic: Popular Music and Global Sounds
Schade-Poulsen, M. Men and Popular Music in Algeria: The Social Significance of Raï
Virolle, M. La chanson Raï : De l'Algérie profonde à la scène internationale