Cheb Hassni Essentials

The great Cheb Hasni’s tragically short life was one of struggle—he grew up in a blue-collar family and eked out a living singing at weddings until he was discovered. And when he finally became a star, he clashed ferociously with government and religious fundamentalists over his rebellious raï lyrics. Such strife, however, only fuelled his best work. With songs that merged strong vocals over an electronic backbeat (“Gualou hasni met”) and passionate poetry amidst melancholy synths (“Latebkiche hada mektoubi”), his legacy is assured.