Lounès Matoub, also known as the "Rebel Poet," was a deeply influential Berber Kabyle singer, poet, thinker, and mandole player from Algeria, whose life and work were woven into the very fabric of Kabyle and Algerian identity and politics. Born on January 24, 1956 in Taourirt Moussa in Algeria, Matoub became a towering figure in Amazigh (Berber) culture and an outspoken advocate for its recognition and rights. He sang powerfully about love, freedom, and the political struggles of the Kabyle people, often facing censorship and threats for his frank delivery and critical lyrics.

Matoub's music career, marked with numerous releases, forever changed the landscape of North African music. Albums like "Titri G-Gemma," "La Complainte de ma Mère," and "Les grands classiques de Matoub Lounes" showcased his extraordinary ability to blend traditional Kabyle music with modern influences, while his poignant lyrics narrated the lived experiences and aspirations of his people. His life was as dramatic as his songs—alluding to the heart of Kabyle resistance, Matoub was abducted by Islamic fundamentalists in 1994 and later survived only to be assassinated on June 25, 1998, under circumstances that remain controversial. His legacy remains immortalized in his work, continuing to inspire generations and accentuate Kabyle resilience and pride.

Genres

Kabyle

Latest Release

Lounes Matoub, Titri G-Gemma, La Complainte de ma Mère

Lounès Matoub

Album - 14 Tracks - Released January 1, 2011