Abdelkader Saadoun comes from Khemis Miliana in Algeria, a few miles away from Wahran, the birth place of Rai. He started to play Rai music in his home country, accompanied by an accordion, guitar, kit drum, bass and percussion. An accomplished singer and musician, he led a band, which performed at many venues and festivals.
Rai originates from traditional Algerian music (Chaabi, Kabyl, and Chawia, pop) and also encompasses Jazz, Funk, Rock, Reggae, Fusion, and Blues. Based on strong rhythms, it is a very dynamic and danceable music. It has become the most popular music in North Africa and the Arab world; the music of today’s generation. Its popularity has quickly spread to neighboring countries: Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt and is now very popular in the Gulf States. Since France has a large Magrebian population, Rai music is now part of the French culture.
In 1988 Saadoun moved to the UK and in 1994 he formed a second Rai band in London. Saadoun’s current outfit is made up of nine musicians from different background using traditional instruments such as Mandole, Hajudj & North African percussion combined with European instruments including Brass, Keyboard, Piano and Bass guitar, Viola, Cello, Drums and Electric Guitars. He is a charismatic performer, able to enliven any audience with his infectious rhythms and dynamic stage personality.
Abdelkader has performed at major festivals within the UK and at other international events.
Discography:
L’Espagnole (1999)
Saadia (2000)
Freedom
Website; http://www.saadoun.com
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.