Faudel has one of the most beautiful voices to come out of the vibrant Algerian Rai tradition. He is the rising star of Rai music and his style is an homage to the great masters of North African music.
Faudel began at the age of 12 by forming a French/Algerian group, “Les Etoiles du Rai,” livening up neighborhood parties by singing his favorite songs by Cheb Khaled and Cheb Mami over pre-recorded music. This led to meeting other artists and developing his repertoire, and within three years he was opening act for MC Solaar and Cheb Khaled himself.
In 1995, Faudel was featured in two television shows on Channel 3 France: “Saga Cities” and “Les Enfents du Rai.” The following year he was selected to participate in the Festival du Printemps de Bourges. As his popularity increased the record labels came calling. Eventually it was Mercury who signed the 18 year-old to a five-record deal.
Baida, Faudel’s debut, is a strong, multi-faceted album. Faudel’s sound mixes the traditional Rai with hip-hop, rap, and even flamenco.
Discography:
Baida/Dis-Moi
1,2,3 Soleils
Various:
Fancofilies – Le Grove Prend le Maki
Jacques Brel Aux Suivants
Ensemble
Voix de la Liberte
