Singer Profile: Cheb Mami: The Prince of Rai
2005-02-18
"Rai is my oxygen," says Cheb Mami, the Algerian artist who is taking the music genre to new heights.
(CNN World Beat Spotlight – 10/01/2000; chebmami.net; Yahoo France Actualites: Biographie: Cheb Mami)
![]() [File] Mami comes from humble beginnings |
A chart topper in Europe and North Africa, the so-called "Prince of Rai" mixes traditional rai with rap, Latin, hip-hop and techno. To him, rai is more a form of combat than a type of music.
Political violence faced by Algeria in the 1990s influenced Mami's artistic inclinations.
"As an Algerian," he told CNN in 2000, "I was very shocked to see my country plunged into horror. But as a singer it was combat. Every time I did a concert and saw the youth carrying the Algerian flag -- it was like a resistance…Algeria is fighting against its pain and unhappiness -- against people who wanted to kill it. It was fighting through rai."
Mohamed Khelifati, known as Cheb Mami, was born on 11 July 1966 in Graba-el-Oued, a poor district of Saida in western Algeria. His father, a paper factory worker, was a disciplinarian whose low wage was barely enough to feed all nine of his children. The family's situation forced young Mami to take odd jobs to help put food on the table.
Mami's penchant for singing appeared at a young age. He admittedly preferred humming bits and pieces of "bizarre songs" while doing school work, but ended up singing at weddings and nightclubs as he grew older.
When he reached 16, Mami stunned viewers of a televised talent show called "Alhan wa shabab" when he sang a traditional 1920s song from Oran with an impeccable Andalusian accent and tone – basically rai. Much to the audience's displeasure Mami was denied first prize because the government considered rai vulgar and subversive at the time. The fact that rai emerged among the poor and the disenfranchised likely led to his early fascination with the music.
"It was the marginalized singers, often the widows, the divorcées, the disenfranchised, the poor and the uprooted who invented rai," says Mami on his website. "They created rai from hardship and bad luck, using archaic and rudimentary flutes to improvise this haunting music that men would later adopt."
Between 1982 and 1985, Mami sold hundreds of thousands of copies of the numerous tapes he recorded – this despite the fact rai was still officially banned by the Algerian government and state-owned radio.
When authorities lifted the ban on the music in 1985, Mami made his debut alongside Cheb Khaled at the first rai music festival in Oran.
it was a little difficult because the authorities said rai music was vulgar
"At first, it was a little difficult because the authorities said rai music was vulgar because we used simple words -- words from the street. It wasn't poetry or some beautiful life. Instead we sang about our daily life," he told CNN. "Now, rai is accepted. It's even become very popular because they saw that this music succeeded in reaching even beyond the Arab world, and now they say it is part of our culture -- before they were saying just the opposite. "
A 1986 performance alongside Khaled at the Bobigny Festival in France led Mami to a record deal and memorable performance at the famed Olympia Theatre in Paris, a first for a rai singer. Soon after the concert, he recorded his first album "Douni el Bladi." After two years of required service in the Algerian army, he returned to Paris to resume his career. "Let Me Rai," produced in the United States, was released in 1990.
Mami consolidated his fame in his adopted home of France with "Saida" (1995), "Let Me Cry" (1998) and "Meli Meli" (1999, EMI), which reached platinum status in France. He became an international star when he collaborated with Sting on the "Desert Rose" (Brand New Day, 1999) song.
![]() [File] With Samira Said in 2002 |
"Well, you know, he is one of the biggest stars in France," Sting told CNN. "It's quite easy to discover him. He's all over the plate. But he's not very well-known in America, and he should be. He's an extraordinary singer, a very gifted singer. "
In 2002, he had a successful duet with Samira Said "Yom Wara Yom" that introduced him to Arabic pop fans across the Arab world. His latest album, "Dellali" (2001), is a hip and melodic rai, infused with hip hop, reggae, and ragamuffin. It bears the signature of the Prince of Rai who has, over the years, developed his own original style of music.
"I know rai very well, but if I said I didn't want to mix it with other music, then I would be alone in my corner," he added in his CNN interview. "I prefer to be open toward other musical styles."





إبراهيم Posted 2006-10-13
I love the guy Mami more than myself, and I want him to perform in Morocco as soon as possible.
حكيم Posted 2006-10-16
Warm greetings to everyone interested in this type of music which is being marginalized by the Easterners especially Maghreb artists: Morocco, Algeria and others...despite the tatlent they have such as Cheb Hassni who is a great actor and Abdelouhad Doukkali and Abdelhadi Belkheyat.
يوسف Posted 2006-10-23
He is a great singer because he has a beautiful voice full of tenderness.
يوسف Posted 2006-10-23
I love this singer, and I hope he comes to Morocco to perform his beautiful songs using his musical style.
خاليد Posted 2006-10-25
Visit us.
ادريس Posted 2006-10-25
Cheb Mami and Cheb Khaled are the best singers not only in the Arab World but in the whole world. Let us not also forget the late Cheb Hassni. They are all children of Algeria.
سفيان Posted 2006-11-02
Cheb Mami and Cheb Khaled are the oldest and best arab singers whose fame reached Europe and America
رشيد الوالي Posted 2006-11-02
In my opinion, Cheb Mami is one of the best Rai singers. He has wonderful songs. I hope that a concert will be organized in Morocco for Mohamed Khlifati. I also think that cheb Bilal isn’t up to the level of artists. He distorts the reputation of Rai.
سليمان Posted 2006-11-05
Old Rai is the best with Mami or Khaled or Hosni or Bilal.
ابراهيم Posted 2006-11-06
A special thank you for this article about the young singer Mami who deserves the nickname, the King of Rai.
soufiane Posted 2006-11-07
Ok, I really like Cheb Mami because I am like him. I have a voice like Mami, and all of my friends tell me I am the second Mami. Ok, I would like to know your commentary and news of Mami on my MSN, ok? I will see on my MSN.
zakariae Posted 2006-11-08
Hello, I am Zakaria from the city of Fez in Morocco. I really, really like the rai music of Cheb Mami. He is the king of rai.
يا سين Posted 2006-11-08
Cheb Mami is my role model.
إبراهيم اليعقوبي Posted 2006-11-08
Cheb Mami is a reason for my existence and I love him with all my heart. he is the best voice in the world he mixes all kinds of music especially in his last album. He is the prince of Rai, the golden voice of the maghreb. I wish he comes to Morocco so that Moroccans can enjoy his warm voice live. Wish Moroccan authorities help make that dream come true free. Thanks
ilyass Posted 2006-11-09
Yes, we wish success to Mami but not Hasni.
hind Posted 2006-11-18
I love all Rai music especially that of Mami!
الزبيدة Posted 2006-11-20
I am young man from Tetouan in northern Morocco. I love rai and Algerian rai music. To me Moroccan rai singers are substandard!
جزائرى Posted 2006-11-22
I am from Agliers. I greet my Moroccan brothers and long live Rai!
التطواني Posted 2006-11-23
Rai is for Algeria alone, from Annaba in the East to Telemcen in the West and from the capital in the north to Tamanraset in the South.
احمد Posted 2006-11-27
Thank you for this site. From me Ahmed of Algeria, I send my warm greetings to all the Moroccan brothers. In regard to Rai, which has become an international phenomenon, I think that it has become so thanks to Alerian and Moroccan young people. I would like to applaud Cheb Zahwani, one of the big stars of Rai who is also very much loved in Morocco and have been able to bring Rai to Holland since 1989. Any fans of his, please email me. Thank you to all Algerians and Moroccans and the loved ones.
إبراهيم اليعقوبي Posted 2006-11-27
Long Live Cheb Mami, the best artist of Rai. My soul is in Cheb Mami.
جلال Posted 2006-11-29
Sure! the important thing is that her sings should be purposeful leading to social practice. Singing with socially revealing lyrics. In regard to Cheb Mami, we may or may not agree with his lyrics, his music is ok. Many thanks to Magharebia and to the Moroccan Arab youth.
ان ياسين Posted 2006-12-06
Layali. I am Yassin from Morocco and I am looking for "Manda Bik" song!
ماجد الواد Posted 2006-12-08
Many thanks for this great site which makes Rai known to the world particularly the Middle East!
ياسمين Posted 2006-12-10
Mami is the best of my country's singers and Chebs Mami and Hasni are the greatest singers of our time!
زهيدة Posted 2006-12-12
Too much. Better for him to produce a new album. All the best for you nice voice!
ابوبكر امالك Posted 2006-12-21
I’m Aboubakr Oumalk from Morocco. My greetings to all my brothers from Algiers and Tunisia. I like the Algerian Rai like the Cheb Housni, Mami and Nasro. I try as much as I can to diffuse this kind of music among my friends.... Thanks
vive Posted 2006-12-24
I don't like his song very much.
ابراهيم فالاق عريوات Posted 2006-12-26
I am a big fan of Rai. I love Cheb Mami!
rachid Posted 2006-12-28
Mami is really the king of rai.
محمداسلام Posted 2007-01-01
You are the best singer!
عربي Posted 2007-01-04
What are there no satellite channels in the Maghreb that quench the thirst of youth from such art form like the Gulf countries do. They have 24 hour satellite stations. In the Maghreb we indeed have bright artists like cheb Mami, Khaled, Bouchneq and Hassni.
fadewa malki Posted 2007-01-04
cheb khaled seghire was a pioneer of rai music. He was born in sidi bel abbes in a town located in north eastern algeria, and became the ambassador of this music all around the country. His style seduced foreign countries very quickly, concerts in Europe imposed the artist as one of the greatest rai singer in the whole world. Let me give you a brief biography of the career of Khaled Seguire. [ininetelligible] . “Chebs” in the region knew several influences. First, the influence of rai singers that had modernized algerian folklore, in taking inspiration of the new contributions given by new algerian rai singers, like Bouteiba Seghir or Bellemou. And the first appearances in public of Khaled Saguire took place during weddings or receptions, organised during the month of Ramadan. Khaled used to organize himself his concerts, helped by his band made of friends. Those appearances made him famous to the public.
Rai Posted 2007-01-06
I love rai music and people from maghreb i hope one day i get to visit there and enjoy being at Wahran ,I LOVE cheb Khaled and Mami, keep on good work .Rai my heart ,Algeria my soul.
الفناااااااااااااااااااااااان Posted 2007-01-07
Rai is an art form and Cheb Mami is an artist worthy of the title "King of Rai". Thank you!
sami Posted 2007-01-10
Very good!
العربي بشارف سعيدة الجزائر Posted 2007-01-14
Thanks for Moroccan play, but long live Mami!
محمد Posted 2007-01-16
He is the best in the whole world and his music makes my spirit depart from my body. I hope he makes a visit to Morocco especially that he has a big fan base.
يوسف Posted 2007-01-20
Cheb Mami in my opinion is the best singer in the world. He sings for all colors and nations!
اجواو رضوان Posted 2007-01-20
Cheb Mami is a legend of Rai Music. I love his songs very much. I listen to them since my childhood. I wish to take a photo with him!
brahim Posted 2007-01-21
I love you Mami with all your songs and style and acts. I wish our government brings Rai king to Morocco and not the beginners. I think the best Rai singer, who taught me well is cheb Fadel... I will be among the first to attend his concert to show Moroccans how much I love him!
كمال من بسكرة Posted 2007-01-23
I’m the one who loves most Cheb Mami. I know all his songs by heart I feel what he sings, it reflects my feelings and emotions. My wish was to set up an institute for the Rai music to bring it back to its status, to use the experience of Mami and Khaled, because the Rai is deteriorating continuously. The ancient and authentic Rai cannot be compared to the current. Mami, khaled, and the later Housni are incomparable. I wish that Khaled and Mami produce a joint song that bursts in the world and restitutes for the Rai and Algeria its due rank.
moussa Posted 2007-01-24
I love Moroccan songs especialy te later Housni and Cheb Mami.
كمال من بسكرة Posted 2007-01-24
Cheb Mami is the best voice in the world as if he was sent from Heaven. No two people can disagree on his nice voice that surpasses all competition and transcends criticism. He is the pride of Algeria and no one can imitate him at all. I wish he comes back to the authentic singing about the sufferings of Algerian youth.
كمال من بسكرة Posted 2007-01-24
can you post my comment ASAP. Long live Mami, Khaled, and All Maghreb people especially Algerians!
ابراهيم السالك Posted 2007-01-27
I started to listen to music generally in 1998 when I was 17 years old and bought a mixed CD (Eastern and Rai music). I loved Cheb Mami and his lyrics. In two months I was able to listen to all his songs and ever since I became addicted to them. I recommend his Album to all readers "Mama Zahri bhaltek Lakdima". Thanks!
Brahim ES-SALEK Posted 2007-01-28
Cheb Mami is the closest to my heart because I live his songs. Every time I listen to one, I mentally identify with it as if he translates my sentiments. Perhaps when I listen to most of his songs my mind tells me that this is the greatest. Cheb Mami is my adolescent life companion and reminds me of the precious and saddest moments in public or secrecy. I would be grateful to whoever shows me where to get his album [Arabic lyrics]
شعيب Posted 2007-01-29
I love Cheb Mami and those who love him!
كمال البسكري .كامي. Posted 2007-01-30
May God help you get out of your prison. May those who hate you face more tribulations. Words are not enough to praise the best voice in Algeria. As Zhida Mami said, Mami has a great voice. God bless him!
MALIKA Posted 2007-01-30
Hello! Warm greetings to all of you and the lovers of Moroccan rai singers: Cheb Hasni, the prince of Rai, cheb Khaled, Bilal, Foudel, Mary Jamila, Bouchnaq Hayat and many others...please carry on and give us new stuff... Bye
عبد الله Posted 2007-02-04
Long live Cheb Nasrou and Hasni!
يوسف بوقريط Posted 2007-02-07
Youssef Bouqrit and Lotfi Bouble Kanou!
عادل Posted 2007-02-10
Long lives Rai!
يوسف جكاني Posted 2007-02-10
Mami is the top of Rai and I wish he stays so!
ع الفتاح ماموري Posted 2007-02-11
Cheb Mami is for me the pioneer of Rai music and the true authentic singer. Mamour from Nador, Morocco
أنا ماجد Posted 2007-02-15
I'm a young man from Saudi Arabia, I love rai music namely Cheb Khaled, Cheb Mami and Cheb Mami, warmest greetings.
موووووووووح Posted 2007-02-26
Waw what would you say about our Algerian artists? I love you Cheb Mami, late Hassni, Bilal, Fadel and others. You have honored the country. God bless you and long lives Algeria and Gelfa people!
حسني Posted 2007-02-28
I love Cheb Mami because he is a good singer and deserves to be name king of rai!
nabilo Posted 2007-03-10
Ok! Cheb Mami you are unique! for the second time you beat the competitors in being the best Arab voice of the Maghreb whether they like it or not. For me Mami is the house of rai!
الياس Posted 2007-03-11
Not bad and up to the expected level!
بخمة محمد اكرم Posted 2007-03-16
Cheb Mami is the best singer in the world!
طارق Posted 2007-03-21
I'm Tarek from Algeria, Cheb Mami is the singer who has developped the Algerian Rai song, his voice is very youthful, he and Hasni, God Bless Him.
Line Posted 2007-03-21
Me and my husband, we would like to know when he'll come to Montreal. My husband is from Morocco. I could see this singer sing the Pink Desert with Sting on the internet. Since then, Cheb Mami's songs are always playing at home. His songs help me to get through, feel closer to God and find inspiration in my paintings as an artist. First time i went into a mosque, i felt something special when listening to the preacher. Yes, i could feel the effect of a prayer. Thanks Mohamed, maybe one day you'll see my works and will inspire me. We live in Quebec, not far from Longueil, and my boyfriend used to live close to the Royal palace in Morocco.
فوزي شواف Posted 2007-03-23
I like the Rai music and love Cheb Mami, Khalid, Hasni that's all.
ayouvishe Posted 2007-03-27
I love Cheb Mami and I wish he could make an album with H-kayne
khalid Posted 2007-04-11
Mami is the king of rai.
abo-sh3eb Posted 2007-04-16
I'm a young man from Morocco I greet all the fans of the rai music namely the songs of Cheb Mami, the later Hasni and Khaled. And I want to say to the brothers who always try to separate the Moroccan and Algerian peoples that we're one people whether the rai is Moroccan or Algerian we're proud of this heritage
عبدالباسط الزروقي Posted 2007-04-16
Cheb Mami, Hasni, and Khaled are the best singers in the Arab World namely in Algeria and Morocco, and don't forget Cheba Zehouania she's also a pioneer in the rai songs. With the greetings of Ketama Hamama, thanks.
abo-sh3eb Posted 2007-04-16
I'm a Moroccan young man and very fond of rai songs, it's the air I breathe, I love Cheb Mami, Cheb Khaled and of course the later Cheb Hasni, God curse the oppressors who have deprived us of the magic of his art. I love I greet Cheb Mami and all his fans because he's a great artist and deserves all the respect and has a wonderful voice, and this is a gift from God. Concerning those who try to sow differences between us Moroccans and Algerian brothers as to whether the rai is originally Moroccan or Algerian, I want to tell them whether it's the first or the second, it's one because there's no difference between us and we're one people and will remain so with God's will. note: I like Algerian songs but sometimes I don't understand some words, I ask for the help of Algerian brothers, this is my email, salam.
petit mami Posted 2007-04-21
Hello to all fans of Rai becuase it is a bridge of love between the Moroccans and the Algerians. For me, Cheb Mami is the King of Rai, and I used to sing Mami since I was a small boy, so all my friends used to call me junior Mami because I look like him so much. I hope that the recent imprisonment in France does not affect him.
جلول Posted 2007-04-21
I like Cheb Mami and I wish he would come to Morocco.
عبد اللطيف Posted 2007-04-22
May God save them from evil eyes. Long live Mami, Hosni and Algeria (Suqar)
abdelbasset zerouki Posted 2007-04-24
With regards to Chab Hasni, Cheb is the best coming from Rai, but we have many singers who copy his songs and this is a huge problem. Thank you.
mami de berrechid de maroc c'est Brahim ES-SALEK Posted 2007-05-05
...These are the words of a song by Mami nice what do you think my friends doesn't this show the authenticity of the music of cheb Mami an innocent music not like the music of Bilal because Bilalhas nothing to do with music he just composes in a normal way, his words are bad he just likes to downgrade artists whom he knows are better than him, by the way Cheb Bilal is good at arguing and insult through singing so what comfort in that music, isn't music a comfort for the soul of the lovers my greetings to you Mami ...
أسماء Posted 2007-05-13
This is a good initiative to introduce the rai and show the status of Cheb Mami, the prince of Rai. He deserves that title thanks to his voice and the words of his songs, also the king of rai Cheb Khalid and the late Housni, the symbol of romance, and Bilal, a special greeting to Algerians - Annaba - and our Moroccan brothers
nicha Posted 2007-05-15
I adore the the music of Ray Waw, Cheb Mami, Khald and Reda Taliani and also songs from India. I have a beautiful voice.
هند من المغرب Posted 2007-05-25
I love Cheb Mami, Hasni, Taliani and also eastern songs, I love you Mami thanks
salah eddine Posted 2007-06-05
hi iam salah from morocco i love cheb mami and thank's for this great site web
الجزائري Posted 2007-06-11
I love rai music, as an Algerian I'm proud of my dear country and long live Algeria
الجزائري Posted 2007-06-11
I love so much Rai songs, I love Cheb Khaled, Cheb Hasni and Cheb Mami a lot. I hope that Cheb Mami will solve all his problems with the French authorities as soon as possible and see his new songs inchallah, my greetings to you.
لزهر Posted 2007-06-14
I love Rai songs- I also love Mami and Cheb Khaled.
ابراهيم Posted 2007-06-21
I'm Brahim from Ben Slimane, I love cheb Mohamed Samir, and Cheb Redouane, long live Plas and all the people of Ben Slimane and long live Zaouali.
ismail Posted 2007-06-21
The best Arab singer
senouci Posted 2007-06-30
Long live Cheb Bilal 1 billion, Mamai, Khaled, Hasni, Nasro, lobg live the men, 'tell him, tell him'
عبد المجيد Posted 2007-07-01
Yes I'm with you in this interesting program, thank you.
bachir Posted 2007-07-01
Cheb Mami is a gifted singer, and my dream is to see him live.
عدنان Posted 2007-07-01
I ask this site to present songs of Cheb Mami.
youness Posted 2007-07-07
I'm from Algeria, I was addicted to Housni, Mami and Khaled as they have represented the Rai song, I consider them top artists namely Cheb Housni, may God have mercy on him. They've all shared hard conditions but managed to achieve fame.
ليلى Posted 2007-07-08
I love the voice of Cheb Khaled, and love Cheb Mami a lot and his sweet voice, and also Cheb Housni may God have mercy on him. By the way, I'm quite astonished at those who say that Arabsfrom the East don't know much about music types in the Maghreb. I'm Syrian and here in Syria we know almost all the music types in the Maghreb, such as the rai, malouf Kabyle and so on. There's an Algerian singer who was very famous her name is 'Radia' she's very famous in Syria for some of her songs that are in the category of 'El Haouzi' as far as I know. Even Nass El Ghiwane and H-Kayne are admired in Syria. I would like to say that the important presence of our Algerian brothers in Syria has enriched our artistic taste by getting to know the rai and other types of music. An eastern greeting to Magharebia site.
abdel rezak Posted 2007-07-11
I like the Algerian Rai. I would like to wish a warm welcome to my family in France. Thank you.
المغربي Posted 2007-07-11
The voice of rai, I know a brother from Egypt who loves Cheb Mami more than himself even if he's Egyptian and doesn't understand the dialect in which the great artist Cheb Mami sings, he knows all his songs, knows only the Cheb, doesn't even know Abdelwahabe, imagine! And that's really great, I really love this artist because he has a nice voice.
حسن الغزال Posted 2007-07-14
I love the tinkling voice of Cheb Mami, I hope to be a beloved singer like him.
youcef 1987 Posted 2007-07-22
Cheb Mami is a shameful artist, he doesn't combine morality with his art.
abdelouahed Posted 2007-07-22
I love Cheb Mami so much, he's my friend, he's the king of rai, sorry Cheb Khaled, Mami is the the best, he has a great voice, better than you Khaled, I love you but Mami more than you.
الرومي سمحمد Posted 2007-07-23
Salam alaikoum, by God, this is great
العربي حكيم Posted 2007-08-02
Long live Mami in all times, I'm Hakim from Bab Ezzouar, I love him so much, he has a great voice, long live Mami
العربي حكيم Posted 2007-08-08
I'm Hakim from the school of Law Ben Aknoune, nicknamed Mami. The best rai singer in the world is Cheb Mami. The fabricated problems he faces now will only add to the fame of this great artist. Long live Mami with the strong voice. I love so much hearing your voice. Hope you'll always stay faithful to us...
sif eddin ghazal Posted 2007-08-12
I love Cheb Mami more than myself, and I hope to meet him one day, oh Lord!
Anonymous Posted 2007-08-14
I like Cheb Mami also for his kindness towards his family, country and his warmheartedness. May God release him from the prison.
حكيم Posted 2007-08-21
I am Hakim from Boussaada Algeria, I greet Cheb Mami and I support him in his agony. I don't forget to greet all his fans from the Maghreb, Machreq or the West. Thank you.
براء جاويش Posted 2007-10-15
I'm Baraa from Aleppo, Syria. My greetings to the King of Rai, Cheb Mami: my darling.
Ahmed Posted 2007-10-28
I love Cheb Mami so much even if he's in prison because my voice is like his, my friends who heard me say that I'm second Cheb Mami, thanks to all.
كريم دكالة Posted 2007-11-01
I love the voice of Cheb Mami to the bone. I dream of taking a picture with him because he's the best voice in the world with my respects to all artists. His voice reaches deep.
ايمان Posted 2007-11-06
I'm an Algerian girl, I'm 11, I love Cheb Mami.
zakaria Posted 2007-11-16
Rai for me is Maghreb culture, so long live rai, with its Mami, its Khaled and its Said Mouskir. An homage to Hassni and Bilal the prisoner.
cheb zakaria Posted 2007-11-16
We love you so much, Mami—you and Khaled! I hate Bilal. Long live the youth and the Arab Maghreb!
كير ابراهيم Posted 2007-12-07
The artist Mami is the most famous artist and the most popular.
بحا ر عبد القا در مستغا نم Posted 2007-12-07
Salam, I love you because you love your country Algeria, you're really the king of the rai.
hisoka Posted 2007-12-09
In reality there are two singers of rai, the first is Cheb Hasni, the king of the romantic song and the second is Cheb Bilal, the king of the hidden song.
سعيد بوسواليم Posted 2007-12-11
I'm from the province of Setif, Cheb Hasni is one of the best singers in rai without discussion, Cheb Mami acknowledged it.
NABIL Posted 2007-12-12
There's no doubt about that, the origin of rai is Algeria because all its singers are Algerian : Hasni, Khaled, Mami, Bilal, Faudel. And who said that faudel was the pupil of Mami, he's the product of Cheb Khaled the king of Rai is Cheb Khaled and the prince of Rai is Mami. The rai is for Algerians who understand it and not for others.
ga.hussa Posted 2007-12-12
Thank you for this great site. I tell you honestly from my heart, may God curse you, you should brother love the prophet more than yourself and not Cheb Mami or anyone else. I hope that you will accept this advice from me. Thank you.
رزقي Posted 2007-12-13
We want the songs of Cheb Redouane.
jihane Posted 2007-12-13
I love this guy. He is too much for me.
كادي Posted 2007-12-13
I'm Cadi, I hate Cheb Mami.
اسيا Posted 2007-12-16
I love Cheb Mami.
yacine Posted 2007-12-19
The best singer in history Cheb Mami and Hasni.
ahmed Posted 2007-12-20
His voice is beautiful.
sofiane Posted 2007-12-22
I am a young Algerian and I have always been a fan both of Algerian rai and of our Moroccan brother for their support of the Prince of Rai, Cheb Mami. Thank you! Thank you! Long live the Maghreb!
عامر Posted 2007-12-23
I want to listen to slow rhythm Moroccan genre, such as that of Abdelouhab Doukkali.
maroc/algérie=frere_4ever Posted 2007-12-24
Cheb Mami is like King Khalid. His is the artist of our dreams. He is an artist who will forever be in the minds of every person in the Maghreb who loves rai. This is the music of the Maghreb, representing the suffering here.
NAISE Posted 2007-12-29
I adore Mami’s and Samira’s song. She is magical. Mami, you are great with Samira.
hichem Posted 2007-12-31
I am a young Algerian. I have always been a fan both of Algerian rai and of our Moroccan brothers for their support of the prince of rai, Cheb Mami. Thank you ! Thank you! Long live the Arab Magreb!
youcef larabi Posted 2008-01-01
Cheb Mami is truly the myth of Arab singers, he has such a natural voice. Machallah. May God protect him and preserve him for us.
ابرهيم Posted 2008-01-01
To all the fans, I defy any artist to have a voice like Cheb Mami, a voice which is great.
السعداوي Posted 2008-01-02
There will be no one after Cheb Mami.
برقوق فريد Posted 2008-01-03
Cheb Mami is the real king of rai without rival.
عماار Posted 2008-01-07
On the level of world popularity, there’s no doubt, Cheb Khaled is number one then Mami. And for the voice as well, Khaled represents a strong voice whereas Mami has a great and warm voice. However, locally, in the Arab Maghreb, Cheb Hasni is the myth of the rai which will never occur again, and it occurs again, be sure that the name of the singer is Cheb Bilal the cunning and smart, a social thinker, this is Bilal.
nawfal tetwan Posted 2008-01-08
The nicest voice in the world.
akram Posted 2008-01-12
Cheb Mami is the prince of rai.
ابن الجزائر Posted 2008-01-13
Firstly, I want to thank my Moroccan brothers for communication which reflects the commonness of the one culture and rejection of the different opinion. We’re people who were granted by God with a religion which heals blind radicalism which opens retaliation opportunities and love of difference. Forgive me if I have gone out of topic. This is because there’s a something in the mind of Jacob and he did it. We love you in God our Moroccan brothers, we go back to speak about Rai and say that these rivers with multiple currents flowing in the same sea which is Rai; Khalid, Mami and Hasni, God have mercy on him, the list long, carry on this mission for fame or to make people happy, the question remains suspended? But every person has his drink from which he drinks and appeases the ears of his fans. They're like physicians who supervise the treatment of hearts. As one of our singers said, I mean George Ouassouf who said ‘A surgeon, the hearts of people I will heal them’. But what most singers disagree on is that his voice adapts to every art and genre. I will stop here though I’m the son of Saaida town, final justice singers have voices and the fans have musical ears.
khaledw5@hotmail.com Posted 2008-01-18
Salam alaikoum. Firstly, thank you. I also love Moroccan people. They're our brothers. My favourite musicians are Hasni, Mami, Khaled. You should know that I love Morocco so much.
نريمان Posted 2008-01-19
Rai is Algerian. Long live Algeria and the sons of Algeria brothers everywhere, Khalid, Hasni, Bilal and others, sons of Ageria and make us proud of them. Long live Bouteflika for us and against us.
مسعود Posted 2008-01-23
We thank you very much for this site.
yassre Posted 2008-01-25
I want to participate in this competition, is it possible to get acquainted and is it possible to talk? I want msn.
kadiro hachem Posted 2008-01-30
I love Cheb Mami so much, I love him very much, very much.
Anonymous Posted 2008-01-31
Long live my country sons of my country.
محمد Posted 2008-02-04
I like everything said by Cheb Bilal. If you say that Bilal is distorting rai, this isn’t real. I hope to be like cheb Bilal. I write songs words, if anyone wants to sing them, let them contact me on my email.
عبد المالك Posted 2008-02-04
I love Algeria so much, I love its artists and I love Abdelmalek from Ain Saleh.
badrate Posted 2008-02-06
I love Cheb Mami to madness. He describes my life in his great songs. I hope to participate in Star Academy or…with his words and wonderful voice. If anyone wants to listen to his new and old songs, email me.
abdillah Posted 2008-02-09
Is that really Mami?
yousssef Posted 2008-02-10
Now he is better than before because now he knows how to play with music and introduced in it the eastern. Bravo Mami. You’re a sumptuous singer.
Anonymous Posted 2008-02-24
I'm proud of you, king of rai.
العيد طالب من البليدة Posted 2008-02-27
I like the old songs of Cheb Mami.
أشرف بقلول Posted 2008-02-29
Cheb Sellam and Kerram Rai are the best singers in the world, especially in Tissa and Lakbib.
يحياوي Posted 2008-03-04
Long live Cheb Mami. I love the songs of the Arab Algerian singer Cheb Mami.
stiph Posted 2008-03-05
Long live Cheb Bilal alone because he talks so much about reality and many things are said by Bilal happened really to people. Bilal is respectable not as you said that he is wasting away the reputation of the rai. Bilal started and he has nothing not like those who borrowed and appointed other people to help them so that they achieve fame. The king of rai is cheb Bilal, by God, because his words are indecent (hka hna kima hak li brana nbroh wli ykrahn…) (we are like this, if you like us,we’re faithful to you and if you hate us…)
امين دحماني Posted 2008-03-06
Long live Abdelkader Boukarbous and long live Fasker.
youssef Posted 2008-03-06
I don’t like Cheb Mami because he distorts rai because his songs don’t impact the feelings of many people he is just gossiping. Rai disowns such singer and this is the reality but Cheb Bilal, Cheb Rizki, Cheb Ouahib, Cheb Hasni, Cheb Nasro, Cheb Omar, these are the true princes of rai…
youssef Posted 2008-03-07
I don’t like Cheb Mami because he is not up to snuff as a rai singer. He is disfiguring Rai because his songs don’t influence the feelings of many people. I consider his songs mere gossip. That is why I don’t consider him a rai singer. Rai disowns such singer allegedly. Prince of rai -- hahaha! The true rai singers are Cheb Bilal, Cheb Rizki, Cheb Ouahib, Cheb Nasro, Cheb Omar..
نسيم Posted 2008-03-14
Cheb Mami is one of the biggest infidels in the world and inchallah he will go to hell. Both you and him.
Bachir Ben Hocine Posted 2008-03-16
In the name of God most gracious most merciful. I am Bachir from Algeria. I love the artist Cheb Khaled and Cheb Mami and all rai songs. Thank you.
أمينة خاردي Posted 2008-03-22
Hello, I love you so much, Mami.
حسين Posted 2008-03-23
I want songs of the old Algerian Rai.
لمياء Posted 2008-03-26
I am from Ain Taya. I consider rai the only art which expresses the joys and concerns of Maghreb and Moroccan young people. It is not just a music about love like the eastern songs, it is rather an expression of the problems of young people that expresses messages to different high authorities which hold power in its hands.
صلا ح Posted 2008-03-26
I want to become a singer like Cheb Mami.
anas Posted 2008-03-26
Thank you Cheb Mami I love you from the bottom of my heart.
abdelillah Posted 2008-03-31
I love Cheb Mami to death. May God grant him long life and long live Algeria. Long live the Algerians.
hicham Posted 2008-04-08
Hi to all the Fans of Cheb Mami, I agree with everyone. I would like to add that Cheb Mami is a legend of rai. In my opinion, he is the king of rai, not Cheb Khaled. His voice is more beautiful and stronger than Khaled’s. I do not mean to say that Khaled is bad. On the contrary, I adore Khaled, but I do not agree that he is the king of rai. Thank you for your attentions. Long live Morocco! Long live Algeria! Long live rai, which unites us all! -Hicham from Morocco
صلاح Posted 2008-05-20
I love Cheb Mami. He is the son of my country. I love everyone who loves Cheb Mami. To write me:
طارق Posted 2008-08-28
When it comes down to it, I will always prefer Hasni.
Ahmed Posted 2008-09-04
moroccan music is the best music ever in the wooooooorld believe or not to believe and who doesnt agree with me just go to hill
Sam QATINA Posted 2008-10-22
MAMI ONE FROM THE BEST OF ARABIC SINGER
sara Posted 7 days ago
Hi I'm Lina from Algiers. I want to say hello to all Algerian singers. Thank you.
We welcome your comments on Magharebia's articles.
It is our hope that you will use this forum to interact with other readers across the Maghreb. In order to keep this experience interesting, we ask you to follow the rules outlined in the comments policy. By submitting comments, you are consenting to these rules. While Magharebia.com encourages discussion on all subjects, including sensitive ones, the comments posted are solely the views of those submitting them. Magharebia.com does not necessarily endorse or agree with the ideas, views, or opinions voiced in these comments. This is a moderated forum. Comments deemed abusive, offensive, or those containing profanity may not be published.
Magharebia's Comments Policy