Unafraid to concoct sounds inspired by the Algerian folk styles of rai and chaabi as much as British punk-rock, Taha delivered an eclectic output in his 40-year career. Both as a member of the rebellious Maghrebi outfit Carte de Sejour and in his solo works, he was outspoken and controversial, opening up about issues such as life as an immigrant in France and Algerian independence. A background of raging rock guitars blended with the mellifluous North African mandolute and doumbek created a fusion of sounds as novel as Taha's raw, vibrant lyrics.