Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

Algeria

Birth

:

September 18, 1958 in Oran, Algeria

Death

:

September 12, 2018 in Paris, France

 

Rachid Taha was a French-Algerian musician who was known for his unique blend of rock, punk, and traditional North African music. He was born on September 18, 1958, in Sig, Algeria, and grew up in the city of Oran. Taha's parents were both Algerian, and he was the youngest of eight children. Taha's interest in music began at a young age, and he was heavily influenced by the music of Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones. He also listened to traditional Algerian music, which would later become a major influence on his own music. In 1981, Taha moved to France and settled in the city of Lyon. He formed a band called Carte de Séjour, which was named after the residency permit that immigrants in France were required to carry. The band's music was a mix of punk and North African music, and their lyrics often dealt with issues of immigration and racism. Carte de Séjour gained a following in France, and their song "Douce France" became a hit in 1986. The song was a cover of a Charles Trenet song, but Taha added his own lyrics that criticized the French government's treatment of immigrants. In 1991, Taha released his first solo album, "Barbes," which was named after the neighborhood in Paris where he lived. The album was a mix of rock, punk, and North African music, and it received critical acclaim. Taha continued to release albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, and he became known for his energetic live performances. He often incorporated traditional North African instruments into his music, such as the oud and the darbuka. One of Taha's most memorable performances was at the 1998 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Paris. He performed his song "Ya Rayah," which became a hit in France and other countries. Taha also collaborated with other musicians throughout his career. In 2004, he released an album called "Tékitoi," which featured collaborations with musicians such as Brian Eno and Mick Jones of The Clash. In addition to his music career, Taha was also involved in activism. He was a vocal critic of the French government's treatment of immigrants and was involved in anti-racism campaigns. Taha received several awards throughout his career, including the Victoires de la Musique award in 1999 and the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres award in 2001. Sadly, Taha passed away on September 12, 2018, at the age of 59. His music continues to be celebrated by fans around the world, and he is remembered as a pioneer of the fusion of rock and North African music.

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