Lounès Matoub was the controversial voice of a generation of Algerian Kabyle people. He was brutally assassinated on June 25, 1998, but his work lives on. From Elmir Records’ Bandcamp site: “In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of his assassination, Elmir offers the very first vinyl edition of the reference Continue Reading
Raï
Boutaiba S’Ghir – Fidak Elyoum
MCPE Records is a French label who seem to specialize in great North African music. This release featured what looks to have been a cassette by Algerian Raï singer Boutaiba S’Ghir, and it’s as joyous and synthy as one would expect from the genre.
Raïna Raï (راينا راي) – Hagda (هكدا)
A new name for me to enjoy! Raïna Raï are (were?) a band from Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria who gained a massive following with this album, released in 1982. On the 40th anniversary of its release, the album, lovingly curated by Elmir Records, highlights one of the best raï records Continue Reading