RAÏ ROOTS . A Tribute to Ahmed Zergui

Raï Roots - Hommage à Ahmed Zergui

Author-composer and singer from Algeria, born in 1948 in Sidi Bel Abbes, Ahmed Zergui is considered one of the pioneers of the so-called "electric" raï. While raï was modernizing by integrating new instruments like the accordion and trumpet, Ahmed Zergui introduced the first electric guitars and the use of the Wah Wah pedal. His career came to an abrupt end in 1983 due to a tragic traffic accident. He left behind a rich discography and songs that were later picked up by numerous raï artists, such as Cheb Khaled, who sang his famous songs "Ya Chaba" and "Delali ha delali."

With the Raï Roots project, Jamel Reffes, along with various musicians, including some former members of the Orchestre National de Barbès, pays a compelling tribute to this forgotten raï star.

Jamel Reffes - vocals & guitar
Youcef Boukella - bass
Mehdi Askeur - vocals & accordion
Maamoun Dehane - drums
Mohammed Menni - darbouka
Kader Denednia - guitar & vocals.

DJ Mehtoze . Raï & Groove

Dj Mehtoze is a passionate enthusiast of music of all genres and groovy gems. He is part of the Akademix, a Marseille-based DJ school founded by DJ Djel (Fonky Family), from whom he learned the art of turntablism. His musical universe is diverse, ranging from traditional and contemporary North African music to hip-hop, jazz, funk, and even Latin and electronic music. As the founder of the Kemia Party, he contributes to the promotion of Maghreb music through events organized in collaboration with the Cultur'all Massalia association, bridging the cultural gap between Marseille and Lille.