When foreigners think of Algerian music, the first genre that springs to mind is rae. Rae music of Algeria has has been met with great popularity in in France and other European countries. Algeria's music history was largely based on styles from Andalusia with a more African feel. Nuubaat music formed by a combination of already existing music and an Ottoman influence. From the nuubaat suits have come hawzii and rabaab. Algerian folk music styles are known as zindalii and hofii.
Rae can be literally translated as: "advice", "an opinion", "a thought" etc. According to locals, people would visit a shikh, the poet of malhun, whom they would ask for rae or advice, which he would give in poetry form. This genre originated in the beginning of the 20th century as Bedouin shepherd folk music which was influenced by French, Spanish, Arabic and African-American music styles. It is said that rae came into existence as people moved to western Algerian cities at the time of the Great Depression. Others, however argue that the genre developed many years before that. Rae is characterized by a repetitive beat, ideal for dancing. Lyrics are song in a variety of local dialects and other languages spoken in Algeria. In recent years a rae has become more pop-orientated and has come to include several Western instruments in the compositions. Rae music of Algeria can be heard in North Africa, the Middle east, South Asia and Europe.
Kabylian folk music, originating in the Berber region of Kabylia in Algeria, has gained popularity even beyond Algeria's borders. During the 1930's Kabylians, such as Cheikh Nourredine, who moved to Paris began to adopt instruments like the guitar, violin and banjo into their local music. In 1973 Kabylian music gain great international recognition when Idir sang the hit EA Vava Inouvae. In the 1980s the music took on more of a pop-ballad form.
For a taste of Algerian music why not look for an online Algerian music radio or Algerian music TV station. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the rich culture of this fascinating country
