Mohand Alileche, known as Moh in the United States of America, was born in Kabylia, a mountainous region of Algeria, in 1959. At that time the Algerian war of independence against France was still being fought. The colonial government executed Alileche’s father so he grew up as an orphan.
The first instrument that Moh used was a homemade lute with one string. He later learned how to play the Spanish guitar. He is now a leading performer on the mandola, a 10-silk stringed musical instrument of North African origin. Moh plays traditional folk music of Kabylia, and his lyrics present his social commentary on the plight of the Amazigh (Berber) culture of North Africa. Moh’s songs are written and sung in Kabyl.
In 1990, Moh Alileche moved to the United States of America, settling in the West Coast. Since then he has been a regular at world music festivals, promoting Kabyl culture. Two percussionists normally accompany him, Henni Hached on darbuka and Sadek Haddadou on bendir.
After the release of his first album, Tragedy, in 1999, Moh attracted the attention of the music media in Northern California, attracting airplay and interview from local radio stations such as KPFA 94.1 in Berkeley and KALW 91.7 in San Francisco.
In 2001, his music was incorporated into the documentary film The Visionary.
In 2009 he released his fourth album, In Memory of a Hero, a tribute to his longtime friend, singer songwriter and activist, Lounes Matoub, who was assassinated in Algeria in 1998 at the age of 42. Music from this CD was featured in the 2012 film Erased (released as The Expatriate outside of the United States).
His album When the Dust Settled was released in 2012. Moh is currently living in Albuquerque, New Mexico and continues to promote the music and culture of his Amazigh ancestors of North Africa. His repertory includes authentic Kabyl folk songs, original compositions, and versions of Algerian chaabi pop songs.
Discography
Tawaghit [Tragedy] (Flag of Freedom Productions, 1998)
Source of Water (Flag of Freedom Productions, 2002)
North Africa’s Destiny (Flag of Freedom Productions, 2005)
In Memory of a Hero (Flag of Freedom Records, 2009)
When the Dust Settles/Tamdit b’Wass (2013)
Humanity Is Falling Apart (Flag of Freedom Records, 2021)
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.