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

EP.12--Culture: Precursors of Rai Music

Historical surveys and current discussions surrounding religion, culture, and politics in Muslim settings

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This episode discusses some elements related to the transition from the first dynasty of the world of Islam, the Banu Umayya, to the highly influential ruling dynasty of the Banu al-Abbas, bringing Muhammad's clan of Banu Hashim back to a leadership role.

EP.56--History: From the Umayyads to the Abbasids

This episode continues discussing the non-Muslim communities of the early Islamic period. The focus shifts to Christian communities after the Arab conquests.

EP.55-The Non-Muslims of the Early Islamic Period (Part II)

This episode of the World of Islam briefly discusses the non-Muslim communities of the early Islamic period, particularly after the Arab conquests of the Near East and the establishment of an Islamic empire. The focus of this first part is on Judaism and the Jewish communities.

EP.54-The Non-Muslims of the Early Islamic Period (Part I)

This episode seeks to correct a major misconception concerning Islam and Muslim life. The Islam of the masses is not simply a reflection of the intellectual discourses that we have covered so far in the podcast.

Ep.53-Religion: Popular Islam

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EP.12--Culture: Precursors of Rai Music

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