Also known as 'Cheb Khaled', he has become the most internationally famous Algerian singer. His popularity has earned him the unofficial title "King of Raï".
Early Years
Born in Sidi-El-Houri in Oran Province of Algeria, Khaled Hadj Brahim began recording in his early teens under the alias Cheb Khaled (Arabic for "Young Khaled"). At the age of 14 Khaled formed his first band, "Les Cinq Etoiles", and began playing at wedding parties and local cabarets, his first single, "Trigue Lycée", was recorded soon to become involved with the early-1980s Raï movement, incorporating western instruments and studio.
Music and Politics
The themes and nature of his music and lyrics infuriated fundamentalists when it was officially declared by the Algerian government to be one of the country's native music styles. In response, fundamentalists sent death threats to some raï artists. The danger forced Khaled to move to Paris in 1986 .
After dropping "Cheb" from his name, he released his self titled album Khaled, which established his reputation as a superstar in France and among maghrebian emigrants around the world. His audience has continued to expand throughout the 1990s, and he has collaborated with several hip hop artists. Khaled had achieved superstar status in France, his homeland Algeria and the Arab world. His signature song, Didi, became extremely popular in several countries, including India. However, his popularity in the US, the UK and other countries has been limited to a small but devoted cult following.
1985 Hada Raykoum
1988 Kutché - with Safy Boutella
1999 1, 2, 3 Soleils - with Rachid Taha and Faudel
techniques.