A celebration of the new sounds of a continent.
'When we feel we're about to stifle, we put on a Khaled cassette, so we can breathe.' 3: Algeria
Rai, the unofficial music of Algeria's youth, is the explosive music of young men and women torn between the age-old traditions and restrictions of an Islamic society and the attractions of the modern world. Oran, Algeria's most westernised city, is the birthplace and capital of modern Rai, a music which combines clay drums with synthesisers and draws on Bedouin, Spanish, rock and black American influences.
Rai's new lyrics speak of Algeria's unspeakable - alcohol, sex, unemployment, and housing shortages, and the music provides an outlet for a generation whose sense of frustration has reflected in the major riots which swept through the country almost exactly a year ago. With Cheb Khaled, Cheb
Mami, Chaba Fadela , Cheb Sahraoui, Cheb Tahar,
Cheb Abdelhak , Messaoud Bellemou and a host of traditional musicians.
Film sound BRUCE GALLAWASY Film cameraman NIGEL MEAKIN Film editor DAVID MCCORMICK
Executive producer DENNIS MARKS Producer MARK kidel