Celebrated Algerian singer and violinist Hamdi Benani died September 21, 2020 of COVID-19.
Benani was born January 1, 1943 in Annaba, French Algeria. He learned music from his uncle M’hamed El Kourd. Benani was inspired by maesters such as Hassen Al-Annabi, Mohamed Tahar Fergani, and Abdelmoumène Bentobal.
The Algerian icon became popular with his 1963 song “Ya Bahi El Djamel.” He brought new attention to the Arab-Andalusian Maluf musical genre with successful songss like “Mahbounati” and “Adala Ya Adala.”
Benani was known as “l’ange blanc” (the white angel) because he always appeared on stage with a white suit with his beloved white violin.
His most popular albums include “Ya Ahl Ellil Tahya Bikoum,” “Bahi Al-Djamel,” “Min Chit Frikitti,” and “Achiq Al-Mahboub Dar Al-Hiba.”
Benani was also known for collaborating with younger musicians. In recent years he toured with French-Algerian world fusion band Speed Caravan.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune shared the feeling of “great sadness for the loss of a master that was hugely considered a figure in Algerian culture.”
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central