Algerian Rai

In the tradition of the great Raï singers Cheb Hasni, Khaled and others, Cheb Nacim presents an album of passionate Raï songs by Hasni, Dahman El Harrachi, Abderahmane Djoudi, as well as original compositions. Style and instrumentation range from a traditional "desert feel" to hot rumba and pulsating dance grooves and club remixes. Produced by Hossam Ramzy.

Cheb Nacim

Cheb Nacim, an original voice with a modern style, assisted by his keyboard-playing brother Sofiane, merges modern Raï with a traditional music base.

Since childhood Cheb Nacim and his brother shared a deep passion for Raï music. They studied this art at the much renowned "El Mouhsiliya" School in Algeria.

Upon their arrival in France in 1992 they formed a Raï band and started playing their original compositions at small functions, weddings and music festivals.

The first big concerts took place around the suburbs of Nantes in 1993, venues such as "Quai de la Fosse" with Khaled and Cheb Mami and the "Triangle" in Rennes played host to Cheb Nacim's first big break in 1993.
Deeply affected by the death of Cheb Hasni in 1994, Cheb Nacim took part in the tribute concert alongside the biggest stars of Raï, Sahraoui, Fadela, Nasro, Taha, Mohamed Lamine and Cheikha Rimitti to name but a few.

Soon after that, Cheb Nacim and his brother departed for England. Rich in musical experience, they decided to take it to the next level by adding a mixture of exotic rhythms such as Flamenco, Salsa and Rumba.

After a few gigs in restaurants and other venues, where they were warmly welcomed by the Algerian community, Cheb Nacim first appeared on "MBC" in 1996. This performance got him an invitation to the very prestigious "Carnival D'Algérie" in 1997.

Throughout his concerts, Cheb Nacim's reputation grew and finally saw him open concerts for L'Orchestre National de Barbès at the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Faudel at the Hammersmith Palais in London.