Person
Maria Fix
Cultural Heritage
Raï
Description
Algerian raï music originated in the liberal port city of Oran. The singers express their opinions (Arabic: ra’ī) about taboo subjects and existential woes in critical songs. Raï reflects the cultural diversity of Algeria and features different sub-genres such as pop raï, whose most well-known exponent is Cheb Khaled. Raï music represents an essential cultural heritage to many Algerians around the globe.