My goodness, Wewantsounds Records continue to surprise and delight! This latest compilation (the vinyl is due March 28) is a collection of electro-raï music from Algeria. From the label’s Bandcamp site:
“Wewantsounds is delighted to announce the release of “Sweet Rebels – The Golden Era of Algerian Pop-Raï” Selected in Paris by Cheb Gero. The set features the raw energy of the Algerian Raï scene from the 80s and early ’90s and its young stars Cheb Zahouani, Chaba Zohra and Abderrahmane Djalti. Newly remastered and including liner notes (FR/Eng) by Raï authority Rabah Mezouane, the compilation brings together eight cassette tracks from the electrifying period when Raï music was evolving from a more traditional sound to the mesmerising electro funk sound of the 80s.”
Raï is one of the absolute treasures of Algerian music. So many singers got their start in the genre, but equally important are these more underground artists whose appeal to their local fans cannot be overstated. This will be seen as a crucial compilation soon enough.
