Freh Khodja

Freh Khodja is an Algerian saxophonist and musician born in 1949 in Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria. He developed a passion for music early on, studying saxophone and music theory before moving to Paris in 1968 to continue his training at the École Normale de Musique. Living in Paris, he joined Les Flammes, a multicultural band of immigrant musicians, and in 1975 he recorded the album *Ken Andi Habib* with them. This album is a vibrant blend of North African melodies, jazz, funk, Latin-Caribbean rhythms, and influences from Cape Verdean music, reflecting the rich, diverse musical environment of 1970s Paris. The record artfully captures the immigrant experience and the fusion of different musical traditions during that era.

*Ken Andi Habib* has garnered renewed attention with a reissue set for July 2025, remastered and praised for its dancefloor-friendly yet lounge-like vibe. Freh Khodja’s work stands as a unique document of cross-cultural exchange, showcasing his skill and vision as a saxophonist melding various genres into a cohesive, soulful sound.

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