Khaled, often referred to as Cheb Khaled or just Khaled, is a towering figure in the world of Arabic music, widely recognized as the King of Raï—a popular genre of music that originated in his home country of Algeria. Born Khaled Hadj Ibrahim on February 29, 1960, in the city of Sidi El Houari, Oran, Algeria, Khaled began his musical journey at an early age and quickly established himself as a pioneer of modern Raï, infusing traditional Algerian music with international flavors including reggae, funk, and Latin rhythms.

Khaled's music reflects both the hardships and the vibrancy of urban Algerian life, and his willingness to tackle social issues and taboo subjects helped catapult Raï to newfound popularity and respect. Over the years, Khaled's distinctive blending of Western sounds with Eastern melodies has made him an international icon, exemplified by his mega-hit "Didi" and the captivating anthems of "Aïcha" and "C'est La Vie." His collaborations with other artists, like the Maghreb Gang featuring French Montana, display his ability to bridge cultural divides through music. Despite facing opposition and controversy within traditional circles for his modern take on Raï, Khaled has remained a beloved figure, and his influence continues to reverberate through the world of music today.

Genres

Classic Arab Pop

Moroccan Pop

Rai

Related Artists

Cheb Mami

Amr Diab

Ragheb Alama

Enrique Iglesias

Soolking

Franglish

Mika Singh

Tarkan

MHD

Nancy Ajram

Gradur

Mohamed Ramadan

Latest Release

mosiba ana galbi (Ne M'en Voulez Pas)

Khaled

Single - Released May 30, 2024