CHEB MAMI
Meli Meli (Mondo Melodia)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Cheb Mami is one of the foremost exponents of the Algerian musical style known as Rai. Though it draws on traditional forms for its beats, Rai blended western rhythms and electronic instrumentation with lyrical messages that were often socially and politically conscious and controversial. When Islamic authorities found offense in those messages, some declared fatwa on Rai artists (similar to the attacks on author Salman Rushdie). As a result, Rai became largely an expatriate music, with many of the main artists, like Mami, taking refuge in France.

For Meli Meli, his fourth album, Cheb Mami continues to progress musically. Just as the message of Rai music drew criticism from certain religious traditionalists, so have the advances of Mami's sound drawn criticism from certain Rai traditionalists. He has been a pioneer in the use of live instruments and in the marriage of Rai with other musical forms, principally reggae and hip-hop.

On Meli Meli, the hip hop influence looms large on the cuts "Parisien Du Nord," with rapper K-Mel, and "Marseillais Du Nord," with K-Rhyme Le Roi. Hip hop artist Imhotep provides programming for both cuts. K-Rhyme, K-Mel and Imhotep are all North Africans who now live in France and are leaders in the hip-hop scene that is focused in the suburbs of Paris. The reggae influence is most strongly felt on "Hatachi," a collaboration with producer/musician Desmond Foster.

Wherever his experiments with form and instrumentation take him, though, Cheb Mami keeps the sound grounded with his amazing voice. Singing in Arabic, he possesses a unique combination of tone and technique that transcends language barriers and genre preferences. If you're unfamiliar with Rai, Cheb Mami provides a brilliantly performed and impressively accessible starting point.

Track List:

Meli Meli * Alache Alik * Bledi * Parisien Du Nord * Rani Maak El Youm * H'Rabati * Hada Ch'Hal * Hatachi * Bekatni * Cheikh * Azwaw 2 * Parisien Du Nord (remix) * Marsiellais Du Nord

© 1999 - Shaun Dale