The World of Islam: Culture, Religion, and Politics

EP.15--Culture: Cheb Khaled and the Transformation of Rai Music

10.13.2012 - By Amine TaisPlay

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We continue looking at Rai Music. This episode presents the career of Khaled Hadj Brahim as emblematic in the way Pop-Rai develops from the 1970's to today. Cheb Khaled is arguably the best Rai singer of his generation. His impact on the direction and the success of this musical style cannot be underestimated. He is known as the King of Rai.

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

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