Baaziz

Though resident in France, Baaziz is one of Algeria's most outspoken singer/songwriters.^[1] Baaziz first attracted attention with his debut 1989 single, "ya Hasrah kikount Esseghir" (English: Once upon a time I was a kid), which he based on a song by the genial Rachid Ksentini. Throughout most of his career he was banned from airplay on Algerian radio and TV.^[2] However, his most successful tune, "Algeria My Love," led to special recognition from President Bouteflika.^[3] Acceptance by the Algerian government, however, was short-lived. His decision to perform a song denouncing Algeria's generals, "Waili Waili," on a live-broadcast television show despite warnings resulted in him being censured.^[4] Though a contemporary of musicians such as Cheb Hasni, Cheba Djanet, Khaled and Faudel, Baaziz is not a singer of Raï music.

In 2008 Baaziz announced his intention to stand in the forthcoming Algerian presidential election.^[5] The candidacy did not, however, materialise and he announced that he would not be supporting any of the candidates.^[6]

• Chaâbi Rock'n Bled (2005)
• Café de l'indépendance (2004)
• Dorénavant (1999)
• Coyotte
• Ybip-Emmou
• El-Rebelle
• The Best