Interview with Algerian singer Fella Ababsa

13/10/2005

Fella Ababsa -- daughter of great Algerian poet, musician and singer Abdelhamid Ababsa – is a singer whose rocky, melodious voice can seduce an audience. In a recent interview with Magharebia.com, she spoke of her influences and her work.

[File] Ababsa likes to be referred to as an Arab ambassador to the world.

Magharebia: Fella, you grew up to the sound of Algerian popular and Andalusian music. Could you tell us how this music came to affect your musical style?

Fella Ababsa: You are right. I was surrounded by art and music from my earliest childhood. My father loved Andalusian music.

In fact, I come from a family of musicians. My father is none other than the famous poet and musician, Abdelhamid Ababsa. My brother and sister, Najeeb and Naima, are also singers in their own right and well-known in Algeria.

Andalusian and popular Algerian music were my route into Arab music. It was the beauty of Andalusian music in particular which made me want to find out more about music, to discover other musical styles. And it is this same music that gave me my love of the oud and the piano.

It was at the age of 15 that I started performing alongside music groups from Algiers and at the age of 20, I left for London to learn more about music.

Magharebia: Do you like rai music?

Ababsa: I love Arabic music in general! Because each style makes me discover a part of myself which I did not know before, I show my fans a new Fella every time I sing.

However, it is true that there are certain situations where only Algerian language and music can express what I want to convey to my audience, especially when I am singing for an Algerian audience.

But do not forget that, although my heart is Algerian, my nationality is Arab.

Magharebia: Your album "Ahl Ettarab" (The Music People) earned you a lot of criticism. Is it true that you are the new Oum Kalthoum?

Ababsa: No, no! (Laughter) I would not dare compare myself to the great Oum Kalthoum and I doubt there will ever be another like her. Oum Kalthoum is a legend and legends are unique.

I know that many people misinterpreted the chorus of one of my songs. The fact that I mentioned the name of the great diva alongside my own does not mean that I am comparing myself to her. The text of this song needed the name of another singer and Oum Kalthoum was the logical choice, given the respect that everyone has for her. Believe me, it is just a simple misunderstanding and I hope I have clarified things. I am happy with what I have achieved. My fans love what I do, and I cannot ask for more than that.

Magharebia: You have sung in several countries -- including the United States, Tunisia, Morocco and France. Which is your favourite audience?

Ababsa: It is not easy to say. But in general, I feel closer to my Arab audience because they understand what I sing and they appreciate my voice. Not forgetting the fact that we share common values.

But singing for a foreign audience is just as important for me. It is a very special and different experience, where I become an ambassador for all Arab countries.

Magharebia: You have already taken part in "Studio 2M", a Moroccan programme which introduces young talent. Did you get your career started through programmes like this? And what do you think of the concept?

Ababsa: It is an excellent programme. I was really impressed by all the young talent taking part in it. They had extraordinary voices and incredible presence on stage. I wish the greatest luck and success to all of them.

As for my career, it started in Algiers with little groups from there. I was not lucky enough to take part in a programme like "Studio 2M", which provides a great opportunity for young talent.

Magharebia: You play the oud and the piano and sing in all styles imaginable. What is your favourite style?

Ababsa: I do not have a favourite style. I like everything I sing and for each style I need a different instrument.

I do not want to specialise, and that is what makes Fella who she is!