Rachid Taha

Franco-Algerian singer

Rachid Taha (Arabic: رشيد طه‎) (18 September 1958 – 12 September 2018) was an Algerian singer-songwriter and activist. His career was based in Paris. He was described as "sonically adventurous". His music was inspired by many different styles such as rock, electronic, punk and raï.[1] raï,[2]

Taha in 2011

Taha was born in Sig (Mascara Province), Algeria.[3] He was known for his songs "Voilà, Voilà", "Ya Rayah", and "It's Now or Never". Taha was also a known political activist and critic of the George W. Bush and Donald Trump administrations for their nuclear weapons stance.[4]

Taha suffered a heart attack in his sleep on 12 September 2018 in Paris, aged 59.[5]

References change

  1. Jon Pareles (7 July 2008). "Algerian Singer Mixes Rock and Rai". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  2. Al-Taee, Nasser (Spring 2003). "Running with the Rebels: Politics, Identity, and Sexual Narrative in Algerian Rai" (PDF). Echo. 5 (1).
  3. Philip brasor (12 September 2001). "HIGH NOTES: Rachid Taha". Japan Times. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  4. Jody rosen (13 March 2005). "MUSIC; Shock the Casbah, Rock the French (And Vice Versa)". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  5. Le Monde: Mort du chanteur Rachid Taha, légende du métissage musical (in French)