But the leaders of the developing Algerian nation have uniquely bet on the Arab-Muslim identity to build up the country?s cultural future, forgetting its historical human and religious melting pot and promoting Arab-Andalusian music to a status of national classical music so much that the overfed younger generations chose to turn their backs on it.

It was no easy trick for Akim to convince his friends of the beauty of this sophisticated age-old art. In 1990, he nevertheless succeeded in founding a band with whom he adapted and modernized Arab--Andalusian nubas, adding Flamenco guitar and piano to compose songs.
In the meantime, he studied at the university to become an electronics engineer.

Four years later, in 1994, Akim left Oran for Marseilles (France) where he followed a marketing master course, while still continuing his progress in music.

Then, he chose, to his family ?s surprise, to become a professional singer under the name of Akim El Sikameya, ?sika? and ?meya? being two of the most often played Arab-Andalusian nubas. He entered the music profession, giving concerts and was noticed for his soft and fine head voice which expresses so well deepness and ?alegr?a? happiness.

In 1999 he recorded his first album Atifa - Oumi (Night and Day). Following the release of the album he went on a world tour and was the opening act for such stars as Khaled, Cheb Mami, Willy De Ville, Les N?gresses Vertes, Natacha Atlas, Cesaria Evora, and Noa, to name just a few. He gained more and more confidence on stage.

He was applauded at the Womad Festival in Las Palmas, Madrid, Reading and Singapore and was invited to a world tour.

His second CD, A?ni, was released in 2005.

Atifa (Essengo/MDS, 1998)

Aini-Amel (2005)