Raï: A Bridge Between Two Cultures

By Gaëtan Lecointe

Cheb Khaled, Cheikha Rimitti, Idir are all ambassadors of raï music today in France. This musical trend, which comes directly from North Africa, is more popular than ever among the French and Maghrebine youth.

The word raï literally means an opinion or words of wisdom, as well as fate or chance. But today, it denotes a genre of popular music born in Western Algeria in the region of Oran.

The History of Raï

At the beginning of the twentieth century, Western Algeria lived to the beat of Melhoun, a style of music inspired by great poets, both living and deceased, that was played at big events like weddings and Ramadan wakes. The sheikhs (singers or renowned masters) delivered their performance in the Bedouin style accompanied by the gellal (Eastern percussions) and the reed flute. At the time, the name sheikh reflected a truly privileged status and was reserved solely for the elite. Despite these restrictions, certain individuals decided to create their own musical works combining Melhoun with improvisation. These musical creators were primarily nomadic shepherds or singing dancers from brothels and other entertainment establishments.

Raï as we know it today first appeared in the 1970s. New instruments like the accordion and the trumpet were added to the traditional drums. This new sound, the new raï, brings to the forefront the taboos and the constraints in contemporary Muslim societies, making it attractive to the young.

Raï, a World All Its Own

Above all, raï entails performance and improvisation. Raï singers often draw their inspiration from ancient poetry and the music of the sheikhs while adding their own touch. Raï also implies a certain atmosphere. This musical genre is defined by its aesthetic of closeness to the audience. Veritable products of the relationship between the artist and the audience, songs can be modified, lengthened or shortened, their tempo changed. As for the subject matter, raï evokes daily life, love and the problems of society. It also deals with social questions and nationalism.

Here Come the Chebs

Among the main figures of raï are Cheb Khaled, Cheb Mami, Zahouania, and Cheb Kader. These artists enjoy enormous success in France, partly due to the French Magrebine community. Raï artists are found mainly in Algiers and in Paris.

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