Cheikha Rimitti, born Saadia El Ghizania in 1923 in Tessala, a small village in western Algeria, is an iconic figure in the world of Raï music. Often referred to as the "Mother of Raï," she played a pivotal role in shaping the form and bringing the stories and struggles of Algeria's working class to the forefront through her raw, emotive music. Rimitti grew up in a rural environment but faced the hardships of orphanhood at an early age; she found solace and expression in performing music at weddings and traditional celebrations.

Her career began in earnest in the 1940s when she started singing songs that dealt with taboo subjects such as oppression, poverty, and the lives of women, earning her both renown and controversy. With her gritty voice and bold lyrics, she bravely defied conservative social norms at a time when female performers were expected to conform. Rimitti's music evolved alongside the country's political changes, bearing witness to the journey from colonialism through to independence. Over time, she collaborated with younger generations of Raï musicians, including stars like Cheb Khaled, ensuring that her influence would live on through contemporary iterations of the genre. Her groundbreaking work paved the way for many artists, and albums like "Sidi Mansour" and "Nouar" are considered classics. Despite her passing in 2006, Cheikha Rimitti's legacy endures, marked by her indelible impact on the Raï music scene and her role as a voice for the voiceless.

Genres

Algerian Folk

Rai

Related Artists

Raïna Raï

Zahouania

Mazouzi

Dahmane El Harrachi

Cheba Kheira

Cheb Mami

Gnawa Diffusion

Cheb Abbes

Orchestre National De Barbes

Azzedine

Cheb Azzedine

Reda Taliani

Latest Release

L'essence du Raï, Vol. 2

Cheikha Rimitti

Album - 23 Tracks - Released October 2, 2019