Khalèd

by John Bush
Born in Algeria but now based in France, Khaled is known as the king of rai. He was born Khaled Hadj Brahim in 1960 in Sidi-El-Houri. Along with Egyptian, Spanish and French music influences, Khaled also listened to the Beatles and James Brown as a child. After learning to sing and play accordion, he left school at age 16 to record his first single. With a blend of funk, reggae and Arabic music, Khaled soon pioneered the transformation of rai from a local style to worldwide popularity by adding a synthesizer and drum machine. He moved to France in 1986 and released Kutche, his debut album. His first domestic work was a 1993 self-titled album. Nssi Nssi appeared the following year. 1996 saw the release of Sahra, and three years later King of Rai appeared. In mid-2000. 1,2,3 Soleils was released. Elle Ne Peut Pas Vivre Sans Lui was issued later that fall with El Lil Ou Nour appearing in early 2001.