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Middle East and North Africa |
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Souad Massi (Algeria)
Song : Ya Kelbi
Album : Deb (Wrasse, UK)
Visit :
Elsewhere in Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔi : CD review
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While the likes of Khaled and Rachid Taha have established Algeria on the international musical stage, Souad Massi's sound has little to do with their pumping rai groove. Instead, she sings plaintively over acoustic backings more comparable to Joan Armatrading or Tracy Chapman. On her 2001 debut album Raoui (Wrasse) she performed songs in Arabic and French that have international appeal.
"When I was young I listened to rock, pop, Latin, folk but not traditional Algerian music," recalls Souad. "The new generation in Algeria is young and listen to r'n'b, rap, rock - the same as the young people in other countries."
Souad sang and toured Algeria for seven years; firstly with a flamenco band and then with a rock band.
"I love flamenco but it was difficult for me to sing flamenco and I was much happier with my band Atakor. We mixed rock and folk and played a lot of concerts and were on the TV but because of the civil war in Algeria they closed the concert halls and when you do music in a poor country you can't live. I had studied town planning at university and I worked in this."
Souad then focused on writing her own acoustic material. An opportunity to perform in Paris found her so well received that she was offered a record contract. This and the continuing civil war in Algeria convinced her that she should base herself in France.
"When I was young I did not like traditional music but now I find a way to make it part of my music."
Souad has released a second album Deb (Wrasse), received even more critical acclaim, played dates all across the UK, appeared on Later With Jools and become a favourite with UK audiences. Obviously it helps that she is a beautiful young woman with a calm presence and winning smile. But it is the subtle grace of her music that seduces the listener, an acoustic Arab alchemy of the likes most of us have never heard before.
Garth Cartwright, October 2003
 Read other peoples comments
Ian Clark
Heard her in San Francisco...fell in love...
Great voice, presence.
I'm a fan!
Wed Nov 9 23:42:08 2005
Johanna
From the first to the last note, Souad's music is enchanting, inspiring, even liberating, and a pure joy!
Tue Apr 5 18:55:18 2005
Ferhaoui hamza
i heard about souad when i was in algeria but i've never thought she is famous like that .as algerian am very proud of her and i would like to say thanks for the job she is doing just keeep going because you have an amazing voice ,iwish you all the best.
Fri Feb 18 15:21:35 2005
Brazilian fan
thanks for your comments on my beloved Souad Massi, you are the only one who actually enhanced her unique talent, she is a very new generation of Joan Armatrading,but the they are both very unique in their own styles and beauties.
Thu Jul 22 08:30:00 2004
bachir ferhat
great,geart music.
nice voice,good instruments combination.
it is just perfect.
Thu May 6 20:57:39 2004
Jenny
I think it unecessary to mention her young beauty in such a context that only acts to patronise her talent as a female Arab musician.
Thu Mar 18 09:42:42 2004
Nacer Staifi & Family (Glasgow)
Beautiful voice from no doubt a very talented young lady with a very promising career. We wish her all the best.
Fri Mar 12 21:45:40 2004
charli hislop
I saw Souad play in brighton this year - she was absolutely magical. One minute the place was dancing and the whole band was brilliant, and the next you could hear a pin drop as she sang alone on the stage. Deb is my CD of last year, this and next.
Sat Feb 21 16:33:18 2004
mourad ouchelouche
It was lovely. I really enjoed it.And would appreciate if I could hear more of her songs.
Sun Feb 1 04:51:20 2004
rick heritage
loved her since her first album and now 'deb'even more!
Wed Jan 28 15:19:27 2004
juba amzwar
hi
i have voted for massi . i think she have a chance to be
by the first 10 singers .
it nice idea .good work .thanx
Tue Jan 13 10:39:38 2004
JP
"Raoui" is a very beautiful song and her last album "Deb" is so fantastic. Waouh!
Tue Jan 13 09:47:36 2004
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