Boudjemaâ El Ankis was a significant figure in the realm of Algerian Chaâbi music, a genre that traditionally blends Andalusian scales with heartfelt lyricism and is often heard in the cafes of Algiers. Born on June 17, 1927, in the Casbah of Algiers, El Ankis, whose real name was Abdallah El Anka, became a pivotal voice in the musical traditions of Algeria, specifically in the post-World War II era when national identity and culture were at the forefront of the societal mind.

During his career, El Ankis was known for his command over both the vocals and the mandole, an instrument central to the Chaâbi genre. He embraced the art form's capacity for storytelling and emotive expression, cementing his legacy with tunes that spoke to both the personal and collective experiences of his listeners. Some of his most recent releases, like "Slate ala mohamed" and "Ya taleb," continue to showcase the stirring blend of traditional melodies and narratives that have long defined his contributions to Algerian music. Despite the traditional roots of his work, El Ankis was not afraid to interact with other genres and dialects, as seen in his release "En Kabyle," which indicates his foray into Kabyle music, another indigenous Algerian genre. His death on September 2, 2015, marked the end of an era, but his music endures, preserving the soul and sound of a genre intricately linked with Algerian culture and history.