Cheb Khaled

Crowned ‘King of Rai’ at the inaugural official raï festival in Oran in 1985, Cheb Khaled quickly established himself as a pioneering force in Algerian music. Having commenced his recording career in his early teens with the debut disc ‘Trigh Lycee’ and developing proficiency across guitar, bass, harmonica, and accordion, Khaled’s breakthrough moment arrived in the mid-1980s. He partnered with producer Rachid Baba Ahmed to modernize the raï genre by integrating Western electric instruments and studio techniques, broadening its appeal. This early recognition also saw his participation in the state-sponsored Festival de la Jeunesse pour la Fête Nationale in Algiers the same year.

He also received Kora Awards for Best Male Artist of North Africa in both 2005 and 2012, and was appointed a FAO Goodwill Ambassador. His recent career highlights include being awarded Moroccan citizenship in 2013 and winning the World’s Best Selling Algerian Artist at the World Music Awards in 2014. In 2019, he released ‘Maghreb Gang’ in collaboration with French Montana and Farid Bang. The following year, he co-wrote and released the charity single ‘Elle S’appelle Beyrouth’ in 2020.

Most recently, Khaled reunited with Rodge for the track ‘C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N.S.’ for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, continuing to engage global audiences with his distinctive sound.