Samira l'Oranaise

Samira l'Oranaise was a trailblazing Algerian-Jewish singer and oud player who became a defining voice of North African Andalusian music in the 20th century. Born Saouda Médioni in Oran, Algeria (hence "l'Oranaise"), around 1910, she grew up immersed in the rich musical traditions of her hometown, blending Arabic, Berber, and Sephardic Jewish influences. Despite losing her sight in childhood, she mastered the oud and developed a soulful vocal style that breathed new life into classical hawzi and gharnati genres. Her recordings in the 1940s-1950s, often backed by violins and mandolins, made her a star across the Maghreb, celebrated for emotional performances of songs like "Raki Chou Ki Dir" and "Kalit Li Yabghini."

Forced to leave Algeria during its independence era, she continued performing in Paris until her death in 1994, preserving Judeo-Arabic musical heritage. Recent live album releases like *Ana Mra W Nos (Live)* reintroduce her raw, conversational style – think smoky vocals dancing with oud trills over hypnotic rhythms. Samira’s music remains a bridge between cultures, proving emotion needs no translation.

Genres

Raï

Moroccan Chaabi

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Latest Release

مهبول انا

Samira l'Oranaise

Single - Released April 7, 2025