Algerian singer Cheb Bilal discusses global reach of rai music
2008-06-03
Rai fans fortunate enough to attend this year's Mawazine festival in Morocco were treated to a concert by Algerian singer Cheb Bilal. In a recent interview, the singer spoke with Magharebia about his experience at the festival and about his philosophy on music as a vehicle for social change.
By Imane Belhaj for Magharebia in Casablanca – 03/06/08
 [Imane Belhaj] Magharebia sits down with rai artist Cheb Bilal to discuss this year's Mawazine festival and Bilal's conviction that music can bring about social change. |
After the end of this year's successful Mawazine festival in Morocco, Algerian rai singer Cheb Bilal spoke with Magharebia about his participation in the festival and the event's value in bringing artists and fans together. Cheb Bilal's concert attracted a solid turnout of young Moroccan rai fans.
Magharebia: How would you describe your experience participating in the Mawazine festival?
Cheb Bilal: It was truly positive, not to mention very important to me, as I got to meet my Moroccan fans. The festival also was an opportunity for Arab and foreign artists to open up to one another. Plus, it was a chance to get in touch in global cultures and arts, as embodied by leading talents such as Whitney Huston from the US, Ziggy Marley from Jamaica, Nancy Ajram from Lebanon, and Asala Nasri from Syria, as well as many other big names who took part in the event.
Magharebia: Do you think such encounters could yield joint ventures?
Cheb Bilal: Definitely, because the only language that prevails is that of art, away from all geographic or ethnic boundaries. That artistic pollination is indeed wonderful. I believe the Mawazine festival realises this objective, since it lures stars from various countries, all driven by the desire to get know about the art of the "other", to communicate through joint projects. I am ready to embark on any bilateral project with Moroccan artists.
Magharebia: You believe that art is an avenue to engaging others, then?
Cheb Bilal: Yes, artists have managed to achieve what politicians fail to do. The proof is that Mawazine united the flags of various countries, and brought together artists of various religions, for an event with the sole purpose of co-existence and relinquishing hatred and malevolence.
Magharebia: Does Bilal sing against hatred and malevolence?
Cheb Bilal: I sing for love and against betrayal. Most of my songs are inspired by the reality of young people and their suffering away from their homelands. I am one of them, and have been through the same thing; I migrated from Algeria to France when I was just 21.
Magharebia: What do you think of the music of young people nowadays?
Cheb Bilal: It expresses a certain reality and certain emotions. I believe every generation searches for its own means of expression. Young people find at present in rap, hip-hop and rai the artistic means of expressing their reality as well as their needs.
Magharebia: Why did rai music manage to spread and become such a big hit worldwide?
Cheb Bilal: I believe that boldness and crossing red lines are the secrets behind the success of that genre of music that made it big worldwide. Rai artists tackled topics dauntlessly in their songs as they shed light on social taboos, especially when rai started crossing Algerian borders and heading toward immigration countries in the early nineties. Rai thus became global in nature.
Magharebia: Is there any difference between Algerian rai and Moroccan rai?
Cheb Bilal: I do not recognize that distinction. Rai is one in terms of topics or tunes, be it Moroccan or Algerian. We all live in the same Maghreb region.
Magharebia: It is evident that your style in singing has not changed, why is that?
Cheb Bilal: I choose to rely on lyrics that are closer to people and on simple popular rhythm. I plan on pursuing my career in that same direction because, in plain terms, I am "son of this homeland" who will always treasure his Maghreb roots.
Magharebia: What are your future plans?
Cheb Bilal: I prefer not to discuss new projects until they are done. What matters is that I am constantly keen on remaining true to my style of singing and up to the expectations of my audiences, especially young people who find themselves in my music, just as I find myself in their problems, which constitute a realistic material for my output.
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Yassine Posted 2008-06-04
Thank you for delighting us with your interview. The truth is, I have known Bilal for ten years and I consider him a true artist, bringing us songs that touch us. To me, he will always the best of the best, end of discussion! Long live Bilal! Your friend from Marrakesh Yassine
Syana Posted 2008-06-04
Hello, I love Cheb Bilal so much. He is a great artist. Do you know if he is planning a concert in France in the near future? Thank you!
فضل ع Posted 2008-06-05
The Magharebia site is very good, more progress.
مسعود Posted 2008-06-08
You the Moroccans, a shame, a shame, a shame. Libya is the only art spread in the world.
رضا Posted 2008-06-09
Very good.
عابد Posted 2008-06-10
The most important is that Rai be in a good level. Bilal is the best singer.
امير Posted 2008-06-15
Hi. I love Cheb Bilal very much, I would even die for him. (Bilal is the best singer).
bahriamalik Posted 2008-06-19
Cheb Bilal is great, very great.
عابدD114 Posted 2008-06-20
Bilal sings for the young people of the Maghreb. He is a top artist. Ghlizane Jiwiya. What are the new works of Bilal Mouwafak?
malek Posted 2008-06-20
My dear brother, Cheb Bilel is a good rai singer, but he is far from being Khaled, Mami, Hasni, Nasro and, especially, Kabihe, who was the last one to compete with him at the great cabaret of Boukha, Oran. He often fills in for the latter in this event and does so with the fervour of the fans behind him. Ever since, he has truthfully been getting better!!!
سوسو Posted 2008-06-21
The legend of Bilal will always be number one.
mohsine Posted 2008-06-27
Indeed, the truth is that Cheb Bilal is the best rai singer in the world. He sings real rai. He is a great artist. Bravo Cheb Bilal! Long live Cheb Bilal!
عزالدين الطويل Posted 2008-06-30
Thank you Bilal. You are still young. We are waiting for your new work after a success. Amen my Lord amen.
attabiayoub Posted 2008-07-04
All rap singers are the cause of disasters in Algeria. Their songs are indecent. They just sing about women, alcohol and theft as if they are talking about their own lives. They have a shameful immoral influence on young people.
ابراهيم Posted 2008-07-06
Cheb Bilal is a great artist and my favourite.
aymen Posted 2008-07-09
I am Aymen. I am 18. I love Bilel so much. He is great. If you want to get acquainted with me call me 0776563628 constantine.
نرجس Posted 2008-07-11
The Algerian artists are the best.
nosair Posted 2008-07-17
We like Cheb Bilal and don't like those who change. We are like this, we like those who like us.
dkhissi amine d'oujda Posted 2008-07-18
Bilal is the best rai singer! Long live Bilal, better than the rest!
ahmed20 alger adrar /charouine Posted 2008-07-22
There are two types of songs: constructive songs and destructive songs. I think that Cheb Bilal presented the first type in a very good way. The best thing in his songs are provocation and enthusiasm.
يونس Posted 2008-07-24
Cheb Bilal is the best singer. This is shown by his concerts which attract thousands of young people. Long live Cheb Bilal.
mohamed Posted 2008-07-31
Cheb Bilal is the best singer.
فؤاد Posted 2008-07-31
My brother, Cheb Bilal is great and knows his interest. By God I love Cheb Bilal. By God my brothers, Bilal doesn'€™t talk from nothing. He talks from reality. I am not lying to you. By God I love him to death because he is a singer and top singer. I ask God to protect him for us. Amen my Lord, amen. I tell you something, Bilal, by God I love you from the first day I heard you. I love you my brother and dear Bilal. Take care of yourself.
منصف Posted 2008-07-31
Cheb Bilal is the best singer in Algeria and even in the whole world. Cheb Bilal is great, great. If you love him, you know the setting.
minou.0020 Posted 2008-08-03
Long live Cheb Bilal!
bilal algerien Posted 2008-08-10
When I listen to Rai songs, I find only Cheb Bilal after Hasni in his great songs. His songs have taken the hearts of the fans of Bilal in Algeria from the North to the South, in Morocco, France, Boston, Germany, Belgium and many other countries. He is brilliant in choosing the songs and in the way he sings. Honestly, the first thing I heard since I was young is Bilal. He is the best. As for the others, they are far below. El Aued.
ايمان Posted 2008-08-13
Pride to Bilal. Long live Bilal. Bilal forever. I die for the songs of Bilal.
ahmedmax Posted 2008-08-15
Khaled is Rai! He is the best and that is all there is to it.
Betty Posted 2008-08-17
Bilal is a true angel from Heaven! And, actually, I know you, “Yassine from Marrakesh”. You were on the forum with us at cheb-bilal.com!!!
ABDELALI Posted 2008-08-19
I love you Bilal because there are many nice things: 1- the voice, 2- You like the ordinary and poor man, 3- have a nice heart, 4- the nicest person on Earth. I love you Bilal.
حسن Posted 2008-08-26
Bilal is a great artist. I like everyone for whom Mohamed Taj Eddine Ainous, may God rest his soul, sang. He died in July 2007. He sang with Redouane, Jeloul, Hassane, Janate, Abbass...
sofia Posted 2008-08-28
I am Sofia from Rabat. I love so much Cheb Bilal. Long live Bilal. By God, it is only Bilal who is there.
hala Posted 2008-08-28
Yes, Bilal has realistic songs. I have attended Mawazine festival and saw the audience in attendance to see Bilal. It was far more than the audience of Asala, Nancy, Diana and David Vendita.
hami Posted 2008-09-02
Hi everybody, My name is Hami. I love the king of rai, Cheb Bilal. He is a great singer. He sings about the problems we have in life. Honestly, he is very nice. Thank you, Cheb Bilal.
ancien musicien de bilal Posted 2008-09-07
To the regret of the fans, Bilal is not who you think he is. I am a musician and I worked with him. I composed a lot of pieces for his albums and did a lot of concerts in France and elsewhere. He was dishonest with me and ever since he has been in debt to me. I turn to God, who is charged with setting things right. Ever since, I have felt deeply betrayed, so much so that I completely forgot about my profession as a musician. But, such is life!!! This looker is no monk, my dear readers.
moi aussi Posted 2008-09-10
I also had the same problem, they did not pay me what I was owed. But, forget about it: he is a wretch with a complex. He hides the truth. He is so horribly pompous and indiscreet that he needs a helmet to shield himself from himself. We must have played together? When was this? The fans are naïve or, rather, gullible. If they only knew who he really was!!! In the end, you changed your profession and so did I, and this is no worse. Did you know there is a legal service in Sacem. You can address them and they will take care of this case. Stay strong!
younesse Posted 2008-09-12
Hi Bilal. How are you? Aren’t you going to visit Sidi Bannour, province of El Jadida as soon as possible?
marouane Posted 2008-09-16
I am Marouane from Morocco. I live in Salé. I like Cheb Bilal so much. Bilal forever to death.
LIINA Posted 2008-09-22
Hi everybody, I also met Cheb Bilal in 1998. I am not surprised by said behaviour. I am sorry for these two musicians. Stay strong, both of you.
SABA Posted 2008-09-22
Long live Bilal!
بدرالدين Posted 2008-09-30
I love Cheb Bilal. If you have his songs, please send them to me on skype. I congratulate him. Thank you very much.
simou Posted 2008-10-02
Bilal is the best singer of Rai. I await his new songs after "Arja" and "Hadi".
karim Posted 2008-10-02
Bravo Bilal!
bolboll Posted 2008-10-03
I love music.
حنان Posted 2008-10-04
I like so much the songs of Cheb Bilal. They talk about reality we live in. Bilal is great. If you want to know what Bilal says, contemplate his words not just listen to the songs. The words of Bilal are right. He talks about young men, girls and unemployment.
karim Posted 2008-10-05
Bilal is a great artist.
anouar Posted 2008-10-09
Salam. I love Bilal.
مراد قطري Posted 2008-10-11
Mourad from Morocco. I am one of the big fans of Cheb Bilal. I want to know the life of Cheb Bilal before he entered the world of art. I also wish success to everyone who contributed to building the nice site. Mourad Qatari from Morocco. (Kissariat Sebata, bloc 5, Derb Prama, Kariat Jamaa, Casablanca). Special thanks to the beloved Cheb Bilal who always offers us the best. Wish you a successful career. Thank you.
sofia Posted 2008-10-11
I am Sofia. I love so much Cheb Bilal. He is the best, by God. His songs are all great. No one will be like him. May God protect Cheb Bilal for us.
تاج Posted 2008-10-13
Rai without Tadj Eldine Ainousse, may God rest his soul, isn’t rai. May God rest your soul Taj.
toufik algerie Posted 30 days ago
Bilal I love you a billion times.
mohamed Posted 30 days ago
I love Cheb Bilal so much.
abdilah Posted 29 days ago
How is it going, Bilal? Honestly, you are a great singer. Your lyrics and all of your words are just great, Bilal. Thank you so much.
ancien musicien de bilal Posted 25 days ago
Thank you, Liina, for your courteous message of encouragement. Life is fair and you know that this guy, Bilal, will pay one day. He is already unhappy and unstable. He is a paranoid schizophrenic and full of complexes that he hides behind sunglasses and a hat. –See you soon
youssef(de.guercif)maroc Posted 21 days ago
I like listening to Cheb Bilal’s songs. I would like to meet Bilal if it is possible. This would be an honour for me. Good luck to the king of rai, Bilal.
abderrahman Posted 19 days ago
Salam. How are you? Cheb Bilal forever. Morocco forever.
houssam 87 Posted 16 days ago
Hi- How is it going? My name is Houssam. I am a fan of Cheb Bilal. He is the king of rai. Long live Bilal! Thank you, everybody.
walid² Posted 16 days ago
Robllllllla forever.
abdoo Posted 15 days ago
I am abndoulitiki from Casablanca. Raja forever. I like Cheb Bilal so much, by God. But I am sorry because I never saw him standing with me. May be I want to be with Cheb Bilal, by God. We Moroccans like him, by God. But I am always happy with Cheb Bilal. I have an ipod and always listen to Bilal, the songs of Bilal “oudima ma amine yarbi amin”, “abali”, “chouf chouf”, “kiwahran kimacasa”, “cheriki”, “mane doire ldoulare”, “souhila” and “jet palazare”. Morocco, by God, likes Cheb Bilal.
liina Posted 13 days ago
Thank you for the comeback! I think it's already paying off. -See you soon
liina Posted 13 days ago
This message is to the former musician. One thing to keep in mind is to never give up on your passion. Do not stop just because of this failure. I think that Bilal is a victim of his popularity and certainly worth pitying. –See you later.
rami Posted 11 days ago
By god, kiss kiss
NISRINE Posted 8 days ago
Salam. I am Nisrine. I am also crazy for Cheb Bilal. For me he is the best rai singer because he talks about reality in his songs. I love Bilal to death. Long live Bilal.
karim de maroc Posted 8 days ago
Cheb Bilal is a great singer. I hope to see him directly. I wish to talk to him via chat. I listened to most of his songs.
toufik Posted 8 days ago
Honestly, Bilal you are always great, the king of rai because you have a great style. You and Cheb Nasro prince of the sentimental song, take care of yourselves because you lift the flag of the Algerian artist and Nasro in Chicago. Really you 2 are the stars of rai.
BADA Posted 7 days ago
My name is Saber from the centre of Algeria. I tell you there is no artist like Bilal. Neither Hasni, Khaled nor anyone else. Bilal, Bilal, Bilal we love you and die for you.
عابد جديوية Posted 6 days ago
Bilal is successful. He is the singer of the era in the Arab west. His songs are educational and social. He deals with issues which we lived or felt.
ancien musicien de bilal Posted 5 days ago
To Liina: Good evening Liina- Thank you for your message of sympathy. I am writing on the forum just to give you my respect. Your encouragement is both valuable and appreciated. I hope to hear from you soon.
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