Algeria, Memoirs of Raï
In the 1980s, Algeria experienced a tumultuous social context which reached its peak during the riots of October 88. This wave of protest, with youth as its figurehead, echoed the texts of raï singers. Thirst for freedom, misery of life and the aspirations of youth are among the main themes of their works which will inspire an entire generation. More than music, raï celebrates the Arabic language and becomes a vector of Algerian culture, thus providing the cultural weapons of emerging Algerian nationalism With Cheb Khaled, Cheb Mami and Chaba Fadela as leaders of the movement, raï is also a way of telling and reflecting the essence of Algeria in these difficult times. While the threat weighs on artists in Algeria, their exile allows raï to be exported internationally and thus, to bring the colors of Algeria to life throughout the world.
Directed by Djamel Kelfaoui · Written by Michel Vuillermet
Cast
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Cheb Hasni Self -
Cheb Khaled Self -
Cheb Mami Self -
Cheikha Remitti Self -
Rachid Baba Ahmed Self (archive footage) -
Boutaïba Seghir Self -
Messaoud Bellemou Self -
Raïna Raï Self -
Hocine Senoussi Self -
Nicholas Mead Narrator
Make it a double feature
1h 44m together
Algeria, Memoirs of Raï
Cheb Hasni, Je vis encore !
Both from Djamel Kelfaoui.
