Post 4: Did Rai actually originate in Algeria?

Post 4: The Actual Origins of Rai Music

In 2016, Algeria made an application to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage list to have Rai music included as ‘Algerian Folk Music’. This sparked anger in Morocco who also announced that they planned to apply UNESCO for the same recognition as they hold the International Festival of Rai music in Oujda yearly. This rivalry between Morocco and Algeria has occurred for many years, as shown by their constructing a wall on the Northwestern border. Furthermore, Algeria is building the world’s third largest mosque which is in direct competition with the Hassan II Grand Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. 

On the origins of rai, Morocco does hold a claim to rai music as their territory spread into the east into modern-day Algeria before French colonization. While it is known that Bedouins began singing rai in the deserts somewhere between both countries, the exact location is not properly defined. However, as Oran, an Algerian city, gave the music more direction and definition, it is pinpointed as the origin of rai. One of the examples of the struggle over claiming rai is the story of Cheb Khaled, aka the “King of Rai”. Even though he was born in Oran, Algeria, he was given Moroccan citizenship by King Muhammad VI in 2013. 

Cheb Khaled, The King of Rai

Moroccan Folk Festival with Rai Music

Source: 1

Post 3: Rai in a Modern World

How Rai Survives in the Modern World

As mentioned in previous posts, rai music is still alive in Algerian and North Africa, but it is separated from the public sphere. Rai used to be widespread in France as shown by the first rai festival they held in 1986. However, as this genre of music disregards society’s accepted morals and well as religious vigor, it has become a more discreet form of entertainment in Algeria. This is indicative of how the different ethnic communities are secluding themselves.

To find rai music now, one must enter ‘shisha cafes’, more commonly known as hookah cafes. Theoretically, they don’t sell alcohol, but some do as they resist the more traditional Islamic groups gaining power in the region. Shisha cafes themselves vary in size depending on their location. However, even as the presence of rai may be decreasing in Algeria or at least becoming less socially accepted, rai is an important genre of music in many other countries as well. For example, Morocco and especially France have shisha cafes as well where rai can be heard. But, even in these, the cultural divide is clear. Most of the individuals in these cafes are North African and the singers are famous Algerian and Moroccan rai artists such as Cheba Zahouania (mentioned in the previous post). As such, the influence of rai has become diminished, but it hasn't died yet.

Rai Artist in a Shisha Cafe

Cheb Hasni's "Rai Rayi": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwKcX187vK4

Source: 1

Post 2: Two Current Algerian Rai Artists

Rai Musicians

One popular female rai artist is Chaba Zahouania. In 1959, she was born in Oran under the name Halima Mazzi. Even though she began her career in 1981, she only gained recognition with the song of “Khali ya khali” which she performed with Cheb Hamid. Her singing partner, Cheb Hasni, recorded “Beraka” with her in 1987. The song was considered extremely provocative by Algerian society, especially Islamic fundamentalists. Seven years later, Hasni was murdered in Oran which resulted in Zahouania moving to France. However, she returned in 1999 to record a duet with Cheb Abdou.

Another current rai singer is Chaba Fadela, born Fadela Zalmat, who is known as one of the first stars of modern rai. Fadela was raised in a poor Jewish neighborhood where she began her career as a singer for Boutiba S'ghir's band. She gained popularity in the late 1970s when she combined western rhythms and electronic technology to the rebellious lyrics associated with rai. She was the first women to defy the ban on women singing in clubs. Like Zahouania, she also emigrated to France in the late 1980s. She moved there with her husband, Cheb Sahraoui, who was also her singing partner. Sadly, their relationship, both professional and personal, broke down and they separated. Currently, Fadela is a solo rai singer. 

Zahouania's Music: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxi-uZ3RyUA









Fadela's Music: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gkNjKVRrrI











Sources: 1 2

Post 1: History of Rai Music

History of Rai Music

Rai, a genre of music, developed in Oran, a seaport off the coast of Western Algeria. Rai is known as the ‘rebel music of Algeria’ because it was created during the early 1900s when Algeria was experiencing social upheaval due to the French colonization. As such, this music opposes the values of a decent society and mainstream views. ‘Rai’ translates to ‘opinion’ or ‘choice’, emphasizing its use as a form of opposition.

               Rai was used by the women in Algeria during the 1920s to survive their hostile surroundings.  To shock their audiences, these women had individual styles where they spoke their minds freely and often opposed society’s views. They also used Oranian street slang in their songs with French mixed in. These women were called cheikhas and the one that claimed to be the root of modern rai is Cheikha Remitti.

               Even though Rai was developed in the early 1900s, it only took off in the 1950s during the Algerian Revolution when many rai artists made their first records. This fervor died down in the post-revolutionary Algeria when more traditional music was promoted. However, rai continued to survive in small gatherings, and it continued to evolve as well.

Cheikha Remitti

Click here to listen to a rai song by Cheikha Remitti!














Source:

Kleber Design Ltd. "Algerian Raï - Rebel Music Of Algeria." World Music Network. October 14, 

               2010. https://www.worldmusic.net/guide/music-of-algeria/.