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ÌýAWARDS FOR WORLD MUSIC 2004: ARTIST PROFILE
Middle East nad North Africa Khaled nominated in the Middle East and North Africa category ©Philip Ryalls

Khaled (Algeria)

Song : Trigue Lycee
Album : Kenza (EMI Virgin Music, France)


Khaled is a phenomenon and one of the few artists working in the region we call world music that can wear the title 'superstar'. As Algeria's heavyweight champion of rai music, Khaled has gone on to enjoy astonishing success across much of continental Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Hadj-Brahim Khaled was born in 1960 and grew up in the port city of Oran. The son of a mechanic he was crazy about music and proved himself a gifted multi-instrumentalist. By the age of sixteen he had been expelled from school and released his first single "Trig Lycee". Rai's roots were in the acoustic ghetto music sung by Algeria's raw throated female singer Chieka Remitti and legendary Moroccan chabbi group Nas El Ghiwane. Khaled and his collaborators added synthesisers and drum machines and the influence of everything from Elvis to flamenco so shaping rai into the future of North African music.

Called Cheb Khaled – Cheb meaning 'young' and the tag given to all aspiring rai singers – his beautiful voice and strong stage presence soon found him the most popular singer in Algeria. Khaled moved to France in the 1980s and became the first Algerian to be signed to a major French record label. Many music industry insiders wondered if the French public would accept an Algerian singing in Arabic over a rich tapestry of sound and rhythms yet almost instantly Khaled was selling huge numbers of CDs. His warm, friendly manner helped him win over the general public and Khaled is now considered one of the most popular musicians in France.

Khaled has employed such noted producers as Steve Hillage, Don Was and Michael Brook to help him blend his Arabic roots with a Western pop sound. Khaled's success has opened the door for many other Algerian singers – in 1998 he was joined on stage in Paris by Rachid Taha and Faudel for the rai equivalent of The Three Tenors. Equally capable of singing a catchy pop song or wailing a wild Arabic blues, Khaled's voice is one the whole world appears to respond to.

Garth Cartwright, October 2003


Read other peoples comments

HADJ BRAHIM KHALED HAS A BIG EXPERIENCE AT RAI MUSIC, SO THAT HE COULD ENTER IN THE HEART OF THE INTERNAIONAL PUBLIC.
SAID DIANE

cheb khaled is the best for the rai music i love you khaled
nabila

khaled is a legend.he has exposed tge world to a beautiful music and has contributed much to its growth.his music knows no regional boundries and is soul penetrating.im from India and im looking forward to his tour to India..i really hope its happens..LONG LIVE KHALED !!!
pooja

Khaled is a great singer. Aisha is an incredibly beautiful song...
Enrico (Italy)

Only want to say that his music makes a person jump to dance even a sad song too
Sandeep Indian

I am a Khaled fan since the early 80's, when I lived between Germany and Constantine (Algeria), wher I heard him. I followed his career and I must say he never let me down. Amazing personality amazing voice. Aicha, waharane and c'est la nuit are just examples of his phenomenal repatoire.
Sam

I have loved Khaled since I found him in Paris' World Section of the Virgin megastore on, of course, La Rue Champs Elysées in 1993! Ragda, Aisha...love it all! Louisa, USA
Louisa

its verey good ,cool
rabah

cheb khaled is a lovely singer..i love his songs include abdel kader and hana-hana. vive el khaled ;p
marwah

i am obseessssed with the song aisha.... u should get it right now
lauren

simply he's the best
youcef

most algerian like cheb hasni he was killed,he got more than 150 songs at 5 years,best voice,best music,best words,he was the king of the rayyyy,khalid need more practice !!!!!
taha

he is cool.. one of the best singers in the world that were able to create a wonderful mixture of music.. western. eastern. berber....
aljohngava

He is one of the best singer I ever seen in my life. Khaled with greate voice @@@@ im ahmed zamano from egypt $$$ i love khaled
zamano

Khaled have a great voice i like his aicha song
roshani

realy khaled is a very good singer. i listen to all his songs and i like it all i cint leave a day passe whithout listning to "ragda".
el bahi med amine

he is 1 of best singers in the whole world ,n, he has very strong voice,he deserve what does he got abselutly
lunatic

I am a Indian, Khalid's Didi song very popular in India.
Sakthi

The song Aicha has such deep meaning to me - it's when I fell in love. To this very day, it' has the same effect on me as it did in 1997. I've listened to Didi which is still timeless. That's what I like about Khaled's music - It's timeless
Leavana

I am listening to Khaled's "Aisha" at the moment, one of my absolute favorite songs for him. As an American from Arabian roots, I find that Cheb Khaled is a musical genius who was successful at blending the artistic airs of Algeria and the mainstream West. I love his music- despite that I understand neither French nor his Arabic dialect, which are the two languages he uses in his singing. Keep on shining, Khaled! You are Raii's Ray Charles to me!
Miriam

khaled is the first ray's music ambasador well his music is like a wind we cant never know in wich way it coross our ears...one advice for khaled's fun listen "mlha dik el baida" n answer me
bechar's lovely shadow

I saw him in Los Angeles. My daughter and I met him.He is truly wonderful and cute. My son in law is from his home town oF Oran. I hope he will be making more appearances in the United States. Americans are learning Arabs are also good and peaceful.
Barbara

i think that khalids music is great, and that he is one of todays most talented arabic musician!
Baller_tk

he is fabulous
Shama

i love raimusic and viva algeria
hussein

can anyone remind me the name of the song which khalid sang with a girl in a red dress..the video was shown like a conversation.
aditi

well i feel khaled is one of the most talented singers in this world and i feel aicha i the gr8est song in the world and he wuld continue his gud work and pls us all
abhyuday

saw and heard khaled at GWU's Lisner Auditorium. it was fantastic. I love Khaled.
pat

I think that Khalid is one of the best singers in the area, Aisha is his best hit ever and I'm just trying to follow from here in the USA, how far he is going .. wishing the best for Khalid.
George R. M. Awad

hey aicha , u can listen 2 the song aicha @ 6arab.com , go to the west section and choose cheb khalid ..the song there is in french with couple of arabic words..its an amazing song.. and khalid is a musical genious..
aza

I am an arab from Bahrain n i luv cheb khaled especially da song 'didi'. One of ma best singers.
evelyn

Did any of you guys out there, heared khaled's song called aicha. This particular song is in french, does anyone know a website where i can listen to this song. Many thanks
aicha

I love soo much cheb khaled and i'm always listening for his songs specially "AICHA".
saif datto

omg i love this singer and his songs Represent I m from Africa 2
emie

I am algerian and i wanted to say that "bakhta" is a girl's name thats all like aicha... Khaled is great my friends that come from many countries love him and say he's good eventhogh they don hav no idea what he's talkin about. ;)
Salism2

Bakhta is a popular women name in western algeria like aicha or fatima witch means good wealth (bonne fortune)
Wahid

there is an english version of Khaleds sonf Aicha, by the band outlandish, its really good
yara

I love the song "Bakhta", does anyone know what that word actually means?
Jenza

My father is palestinian and my mother polish, and in some weird story of fate i stumbbled upon a cd of khaled's in a garage sale, so i bought it, and just hearing this mans voice, made me wake up...the music is something phenomenal, almost sweet if our ears could taste. i've loved khaleds music ever since then. I think he's wonderful, iand i stand by him any his music, his political views, his voice and his message. I recommend his music to anyone with an open mind and a wordly soul
Yasmina

He is one of the best singer I ever seen in my life. Khaled with greate voice
Farangis(persian girl)

khaled is king of ray without exeption
yacine el ghrasli

khaled is very famous in morocco i like him and i found his music very beautiful surely he is the king of ray without exeption
yacine el ghrasli

i think that he is doing a grate job and hopefully he would show the wolrd what he's made of.
Algerian Angel

He is DA KING
Aissa

one of the best singer on this planet
a fan

This guy has an absolutely amazing voice, try singing some of his songs and you'll see how hard it is. A true entertainer!
Nick

I am English and I adore Khaleds music.I really want to see him live in concert and hope he comes to Manchester very soon. I don't understand much of his words but my husband who is Algerian has explained a lot of his songs to me. He is truly an all time great.
Ericka

I really love Khaled, he´s the greatest singer in the whole world!!! His voice is incredible and I could not live without his music. I went to his concert and it was one of the greatest moments of my life! I was so lucky to stand in the first row only a few metres away from him! I can´t believe that so many people here in Germany still haven´t heard about him! Ya Khaled,please never stop making music- one day without listening to your wonderful voice is a lost day for me! Anta omri!
Beate - Khaled lover

can anyone explain to me what the song "Bakhta" is about?
fatuma

I love cheb Khaled, we come from the same country Algeria although I am here in the Philippines, they are not popularized here and how Iwish that they can be shown here in our local networks like GMA or ABS-CBN. I would love to see Khaled though impossible in person but atleast a glance in Philippine TV.
Nadjoua

Khaled is thee best singer on the face on the planet! God bless him always.
Sara-KhaledLover

khalid is one of my biggest fan, i listen to him day and night,he is one of the greates singer i have ever listened to, his words are like magic,sometimes they become reality.gooooooooo khalid.
khadija

I love this guy to death, he is unbelievable I have no word to express him in normal words he needs a magic words to find in some way a way to express him. He is a genius, charming, adorable, the king, …etc. I wish him all the luck cz he brought to my life the things which change my life to the best.. He is the best from the best
mad about Khaled

i listned to khaled since i was 12years ov age because my big brother was a big fan ov him and i become even beger fan.my dream was to see him one day and finally my dream become reality i hav just been to see him in a concert in london i tel u what khaled was amasing the hall concert was jumping ov joy i had three beers before he started performing but after listening to him i was blown away i felt so drunk like i had twenty beers all the time in the concert i was looking at him and his livelly movement i kept asking myself is this real am in watching khaled?my girlfriend and her brother who are english and they dont undrestand arabic went with and they enjoyed so much khaled for most ov my life you bhave been the best for me and you stil and u will alwayes be the best
idriss

you all from countries u can buy his songs but iam from sudan u may not find any thing there even if u r lucky u just find one or two cassets althaugh iam still searching for him on the internet he the best
musaab

I recently heard Khaled's song, Aisha, at a friend's house. It is absolutely amazing and so melodious that I can listen to it endless times. Though I don't understand french or arabic, I still enjoy his songs. The combination of his soothing voice mixed with the subtle western beats is just brilliant!!
Anu

I was in his concert in the other day. He is faboöuos! I lova khaled! He is the best man in the world!
Amel

well cheb khaled is one of the artists that can move you with his divine voice and great music and take you to a total different world.to me he has change my life completely and put joy in my heart for ever.god bless him and hope to hear more great music from him very soon.
mona

He is the best of the best from the east to the West.Majid I´m a moroccain From Germany
Majid

I love this singer,I listen his Music since 1988 I´m waiting for the new. I listen to his Songs every day.
Majid Kharsane Morocco

khaled is the king of rai song in all the arab world
yahi mustpha,algeria

i m a great khaled fan.i have been listnening to his songs since 1992 .i rate him the best
m y kareem

today i feel that im the best fan of khaled , because i grew listening his music, he is fantastic , he is wonderful , he is the best , i wanted to go to his concert in casablanca , but i couldnt because it was full, but i saw the concert in direct , i felt anything special.watching your favourite singer in the same city where you live its great. everyday i listen to his music its relaxing.i complain that in the last yars he doesnt do any album for years i hope that he is fine and he will do the best of himself .i wish that he will do more clips .i hope him the best.my favourites songs are:bakhta,wahrane, aisha,win el harba, yana yal maima...(thes list its very long) and i love the duos too like :mon pere, GALLO COCO Y MAIZ... he is the best singer in THE WORLWIDE , but he have to do the best of himsel malek,el hispanomarroki
MALEK THE BEST FAN OF KHALED

Khaled's nominaton song, "trigue lycee", is brilliant. Every time i listen to it via this website, i feel really energized and cheered-up! The amount of life in this song is stunning!
Nick

I was on vacation in Tunisia back in 1995 where as I walked through the Medina (local market) I heard the blaring beats of Didi – one of Khaled’s earlier albums. Khaled, a humble man with immense talent created almost a fusion between East and West. The native drums and tune were complimented with the introductions of the electric guitar and the saxophone! He is undoubtedly North Africa’s biggest export! Although I was surprised to learn that he banned from visiting his homeland, Algeria. But he keeps smiling, releasing fantastic music! I saw him perform last year I think – at the Royal Albert Hall for a funding raising event. Does anyone know if he is due to perform in the UK anytime soon?!? Rahim
Rahim Daya

Khaled is an inspiration and turned me on to the whole world of North African music - Faudel, Rachid Taha and Natasha Atlas. The 1998 Paris concert on the CD 1,2,3 Soleils masterminded by Steve Hillage is my all time favourite disc. We played the DVD of this concert at our wedding this summer on a big screen and it went down a storm! Time he came to London again...
Gareth Barnes

Beautiful, Moving, Universal... someone who speaks through the music he creates, leaving a knowledge of Arabic or even French totally unneccesarry... though I am finding myself singing lyrics i don't even know the meaning of... I REALLY hope that he comes to the U.S. sometime soon, or that he will be performing in Europe in 2004... I'm sure the live experience is sublime!
Jessica

Khaled has one of the most appealing voices today. I played this Kenza in my car for weeks before I wanted to listen to anything else. I am currently choreographing to Aswah (ya ashko); next I may get to Trigue Lycee Rai can be described as a head-on collision between traditional middle eastern music with rock'n'roll and a good dose of rap. Ain't it funny how fusion can often bring forth the best (in people and in music.....my philosophy for the day)
Rai Lover

Khaled is quality and talent. This album (Kenza)is my favorite of his. This album seems to contain some more "traditional" rai and middle eastern rhythms. #3 is magical and so is (Trigue Lycee). The tracks on this cd are diverse and magical to listen to again and again. Gotta love his voice.
Lucky

This was my first Khaled cd I purchased and he quickly became one of my favorite artists. Even if the listener doesn't understand what he is saying due to the language difference, Khaled's voice still speaks to the audience and is just incredible. The tracks called (Trigue Lycee) are some of my favorites since it is done with a Khaled's amazing voice. I highly recommend this album & this song to Khaled's fans new and old.
Antonia

Unlike, it appears, the rest of the world, I was not informed of Khaled's presence by his songs & voice. I first came across this amazing singer via his work with J.J. Goldman on "Aicha". For those unaware of Rai music, it is a style from Algeria and other countries in northern Africa. Rai has a percussive sound and, as with many traditional forms of African music, is often used to make metaphorical social comment. The most startling feature of Rai, however, is the vocal range of the singer. Many people are amazed to hear that Khaled is arabic after hearing his works on "Aicha", his range is easily the equal of the American RnB singers - and he is capable of jumping quite freely from octave to octave as the whim takes him. "Trigue Lycee" is thus an album in an unheralded style by one of its foremost exponents - quite tough billing to live up to. Khaled delivers on that promise with talent to spare. Most of the lyrics, especially Khaled's, are delivered in Arabic. While there are many music fans who feel as though they must know what is being sung about in order to enjoy the song, one listen to tracks like the song, "c'est la nuit" and any of the versions of " c'est la nuit " will dispel that view. The liner notes give information about the subject matter - which isn't that far different from western music; love, being out of love and wanting to be in love all feature quite strongly - but the words are largely immaterial. When Khaled sings about his feelings for a woman in his songs, there can hardly be a person who doesn't know exactly what he means. The arrangements are also very creative. From traditional-sounding drum beats on the original "Trigue Lycee", through to the funky beats propelling and the "el addyene" remix, it is clear that Khaled is in touch both with the roots of his musical tradition and with its future. One thing in common across the album is that the arrangements all provide Khaled with a chance to show off his vocal chops. I say "show off", but his prowess is never the sole reason for a song's existence. Khaled clearly knows when to put the focus on the music rather than the vocals. Overall, "Kenza" is a superb album and one very much worthwhile checking out - especially for those who are interested in what Khaled sounded like before he recorded with all his songs. Even if you aren't, this is a wonderful album to have as background music, the listener can involve themselves as much or as little in the music as they want.
A.Pittman

I have been interested in rai music for a time being since I began to listen Khaled's Didi album. I first realized Khaled in a song named Didi by him and I was quite impresed with his voice. If you like to listen something different and you like to tap your feet while listening this singer is simplt the best for you. I especially recommend "Kenza & Sahra" to poeple who are already acquinted with arabic tunes.
Damrany

Kenza (The treasure) is rai music for a cosmopolitan audience. The production is so tight, and the range of foreign music which is incorporated in the tracks so broad, that you might even call this pop music. Not an important distinction, but it gives you a hint why rai purists object to this album. A word to those unfamiliar with rai: this music is to Algeria what banda/nortenas are to Mexico. Earthy themes are often expressed in a vulgar way. The melody melts away in the face of the thumpa-thumpa-thumpa of the chintzy MIDI-keyboard beats. Khaled has always reached beyond those base elements. His music speaks of lovely and tender things. His voice is high and clear and always dominates the songs. Kenza, however, is not entirely a rai album. The influences are true to the name: influences that penetrate each track entirely. This is no twenty-second solo thrown in to add ethnic flavor. "c'est-la-nuit" features French chanson singer J.J. Goldman, and the accordion melody has a funky cabaret sound. So: rai fusion, if you need a designation. This is good music. It's not challenging or cerebral music. But it's very warm and insanely danceable. Let's all voting to him and celebrate the gorgeous voice of Khaled, whose first solo American tour was cancelled after September 11. (He won't perform in his native Algeria, either, to protect the safety of his fans.) Naturally, if you can't enjoy his voice in concert, a CD will suffice. But maybe some brisk sales will entice him to come back on tour.
Frank

A very fresh approach as far as Rai music is concerned. As usual, Khaled has maintained his excellent standard in blending modern beats with traditional music. Though one hearing may not be enough to fully appreciate the overall quality (music, melody, voice, style, etc..) of each song, and would seem more modern with little traditional Arabic/Algerian influence. Most of the scores in the album are very catchy. Especially the numbers, Trigue Lycee', which show off the volatility of Khaled's voice. I think this song steal the show, as Khaled gets to explore his soaring range, talent and skill. There's some excellent keyboarding too, in 'Ya achqou'. These scores are very emotional and touching (Wahran style), the kind Khaled is universally unbeatable at. For those who have heard his 'Didi' (album-'Khaled'), may find the modern version quite different. Though, one doesn't get to enjoy his sublime voice as in the original score. On the whole, it will make a valuable addition to your 'Khaled' collection and definitely is very addictive !
Goerge

A few year ago, I went to an African concert in London. Cheb Khaled was representing Algeria. I instantly fell for his voice and music though I do not understand any of the lyrics of his songs. Aiysha is certainly one his best album, containing very catchy songs which are a mixture of Algerian and Western music. Highly recommend it.
Meg

This is a good compilation of Khaled's work. I've been a fan of his since listening to "Didi" about 12 years ago and have listened to all his music since (in spite of not knowing either Arabic or French!) If you are familiar with his music it's nice to listen to the songs in Kenza CD. Still, he's the best overall.
Suzan

I bought this cd when i visited united arab Emirates. Even though i don't speak arabic and don't have a clue what the songs mean,i think Khaled the best singer i have ever listen to!!All the songs are excellent and it's a must buy cd..
Dedoo

Cheb Khaled is the master of the music style called Rai, which combines traditional Algerian (Arabic) music with modern western sounds. This style is appealing to everyone, whether you can understand the lyrics or not. This album is a collection of all of his finest songs. The fact that this CD is a best recording makes it even better than you would hear it normally. My personal favorite songs on this album are Trigue Lycee and El aadyene. Although Elaadyene is a lot more famous, Trigue Lycee has to be the best. This CD is a wonderful, exotic addition to anyone's CD library.
A Khaled fan

I absolutely love this singer. I know Arabic myself, and I really have enjoyed the lyrics. This CD in particular is full of color and life. It surely would bring life to a party. In addition, Khaled's voice and his approach really send a message to the listener even if the listener themself does not understand the language. I extremely recommend this CD to anyone who is interested in embracing such a culture. Khaled really you are the best ever.
Sandra

Kenza is the "chef d'ouevre" of Khaled's work. Sophisticated arrangements, varied melodies and cultural influences enhance his emotive and sensual voice. It's a must have for his fans although it is probably less "party friendly" than his other CDs for those who want to dance with the music.
Noureen

There is a subtle jazzy sound to this album "Kenza" when compared to some of Khaled's other releases, as well as a mix of styles, but this master of the rai genre excels at them all. Some superb musicians are included, and I especially like "Trigue Lycee", which reminds me of a tango, with its emphasis on piano (Boyan Zulfikapasic), stringbass (Bernard Paganotti) and accordion (Philippe Eidel). "Ki Kounti" from "Sahra album" is another gem; recorded in Los Angeles, it is a duet with Saul Hernandez, composer and lead singer for Mexico's well known rock band Jaguares, and is sung partially in Spanish. Three tracks were recorded in Jamaica, and have a marvelous bouncy reggae feel to them: "Lillah" has a terrific brass accompaniment, "Ouelli El Darek" nifty background vocals by the "I Threes", and "Mektoubi" is an all-out big band number. My two favorites would be "Wahrane Wahrane", which like a traditional Arabic pop song has a string arrangement similar to what one would have heard backing the classic Egyptian singers of a generation ago, and the final track, "Hey Ouedi", with its mystical quality, is quite thrilling, with instruments seeming to imitate the sound of ululation. "Oran Marseille" with rap group IAM, only works half-way for me (I like the Khaled parts and the instrumentation), but perhaps that is because I do not care for rap music. "Aisha" is a signature song for Khaled, and always great to hear. Khaled is a pioneer of rai music, and his title of "King of Rai" is well deserved; with his gritty expressive voice, he has brought this music to every corner of the earth. Also recommended is his CD "Kutche", and the live performance album with Faudel and Rachid Taha, "1, 2, 3 Soleils". Khaled co-wrote all the songs except "Hey Ouedi", which he wrote alone, the sound is excellent, the insert foldout has recording info but no liner notes or lyrics, and total time is 51'51.
Shandarlata

Great Song!. I don't understand a word he is saying but still love his Music. I have heard other Khaled soundtracks but this is the best one. I like the mixture of reggae and french and rai. Thanks Khaled
Jemes

I don't speak Arabic, but do speak French.I love the words and the music. I play the CD daily, my 15 month old daughter loves it! - (my neighbors probably just think I'm weird). Absolutely a great buy!
Ally

he is the best of the best without no doubt.
amir

khaled has been my favorite singer in the world thanks to his amasing voice and his kindness as well.REALLY I WOULD LOVE TO ATTEND one of his concert.i wish him all the best in his career
fouad chelhani

You know, the reason why I enjoy his music is that becasue Khaled always come up with new surprises. I don't like those singers that stick with one style of one type of music like Amro Diab. I got the new CD and was not disappointed with the new stayle that Khaled wants to introduce to his fans. Khaled is truley an innovative artist. Always active and comes up with new things. Good job khaled.
Mat Adam

Mature sound and the best work of khalid. You may need to listen to the songs few times before you fall deeply in love with them. The Egyptian strings add new sound to Khalid, more Arabic if you like. A must buy for Rai fans.
algammary

KHALED, INNOVATIVE AND BRILLIANT, AS USUAL., What makes this guy a unique singer and a hit master is the element of surprise he provides to his fans. As usual, Khaled trys to introduce a new style and a new surprise to his fans. I have been a khaled fan for almost 7 years. I have been following his accomplishments and really enjoyed every single album he made. From his first mega hit album "Khaled", which included Didi, all the way until "Sahra", which included "Aicha", you can se how Khaled introduces something really surprising. He keeps you up-to-date to enjoy his music. Unlike most singers that keep on repeating the same style in their albums over, and over, and over, Khaled always comes up with something new. You have to listen to his songs carefully in order to know that this songs really belongs to him because he sounds so different from each one song to another by having totally a new attitude. In this latest official album, you'll enjoy totally a new music. Like El Bab, which is a mixture of Algerian Rai, and Jazz, with very mesmerizing rythems. Although nobody seems to understand what he is singing (since he's singin in Arabic), he is a big hit world-wide. Can you imagine what whould happen if Khaled sings in English? I'm sure he can surpases Michael Jackson or Elvis Presly (in my openion). Khaled, keep up the good work.
Tokyo

I was completely blown away by this particular CD from Khaled. It brought a new knowledge of "Arabic/French" to my collection of Arabic music. The recordings were very articulate and clean, making the whole CD very listenable. The use of horns in a particular manner on a particular piece was especially vibrant. It brought me to think of the old "Chicago", "Steely Dan" horn arrangments, which were very uplifting themselves. All in all, i'm glad i made this purchase. CD was way ahead of my expectations & especially the song "Trigue Lycee"
Djafri

Kenza is a lot like Khaled's previous album Sahra: a lot of co-writers, two songs written and produced by Jean-Jacques Goldman, the title of the album is Khaled's child's name... However there's not that many hiphop and reggae influences on this album as there were on Sahra. The album is mostly produced by Steve Hillage (ex-Gong) and Lati Kronlund. Both do excellent work. Especially I like the way Kronlund uses horns and scratches. "El Bab", perhaps the best song on the album, is a good example of this. Gail Ann Dorsey and Zachary Alford from David Bowie's band play on some songs. Of Jean-Jacques Goldman's songs "C'est la nuit" is a typical example of new French pop, and "Derviche tourneur" is some kind of fake Arabic music - just like "Aïcha" and "Le jour viendra" on Sahra album. Those two songs aren't bad but certainly not the best songs on the album. There are two duets on the album. It may not sound like a good idea to record another version of John Lennon's "Imagine", but Khaled and Noa's version works as a plea for peace in the Middle East. The other duet, "El Harba Wine", is one of the best songs on the album. It's a mixture of rai and Indian pop music. Amar's voice sounds charming. In concert Khaled did a long solo version of this song, and it worked very well too. Please, who he is worthier than Khaled to be the winner?
Jamal

I heard Khaled for the 1st time in Sahra, and I just fell in love with the guy's music. I couldn't wait for Kenza, and I find it to be very different from Sahra. There is definitely less of that reggea mix in Kenza, but Kenza is a whole lot more subtle than Sahra, as if Khaled's mood had changed like the wind in the Sahara. Some tracks I absolutely love, like "C'est la nuit". This ballad is very soulful and speaks to the heart. All in all, Kenza is another face of Khaled, and that is what I find fascinating, so many artists repeat themselves, it is both refreshing and intriguing to listen to an artist and feel both as if it was a new artist and and old friend. Khaled you are the best
Michael

Man, you gotta buy this album just for the song "Trigue Lycee". It has to be one the most beautiful and haunting pieces of music ever, and easily one of Khaled's best songs. Khaled caused a sensation in India when this album was released, and it is here that maximum sales of this album was recorded, owing to the tremendously successful "THE KING". A must buy album if one is a fan of Rai music, and who better to buy, than Khaled!!!
J.Mc Donalds

Khaled is my favorite rai artist ever! I first discovered rai when my mom bought a CD with various rai and other north african artists, I started to LOVE algerian rai!!! Mauvauis Sang is soooooo cool. I wish he'll win the AWARDS 2004 :) He's is the KING
Emillie

I am an Indian, having studied & worked and lived in the gulf for some time. To any one who has had a healthy exposure of world sounds KHALED is a revelation. His voice as well as compositions and musical arrangements take ones mind, body and soul to distant lands. I salute his genius and perseverence and hope he is voted the best. Long overdue.
m ishaq z




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