Who is Cheb Khaled?
8 years ago
Saudi Arabia Cheb Khaled, known as the "King of Raï," has transcended cultural boundaries, becoming a globally recognized musician and a significant figure in Algerian music history.
Cheb Khaled is associated with an academy that partners with Nike and Women Win, providing professional training, mentorship, and educational support to talented female players.
Cheb Khaled is associated with an academy that partners with Women Win and Nike, ensuring talented female players receive professional training, mentorship, and educational support.
Khaled reunited with DJ Rodge to create the multilingual song "C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N.S." commissioned by Qatar Airways in commemoration of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Khaled Hadj Ibrahim, born on February 29, 1960, in Oran’s Eckmühl neighborhood, French Algeria, is a prominent raï singer, musician, and songwriter. He commenced his recording career in his early teenage years under the moniker Cheb Khaled, meaning “Young” Khaled. From a young age, Khaled was drawn to music, particularly raï, which was then considered the music of outcasts. He developed proficiency in multiple instruments, including guitar, bass, harmonica, and accordion. His breakout moment arrived in the mid-1980s when he collaborated with producer Rachid Baba Ahmed. This partnership was instrumental in modernizing the raï genre by integrating Western electric instruments and studio techniques, broadening its appeal to a new generation.
Khaled’s career saw a significant turning point in 1985 when Lieutenant-Colonel Hosni Snoussi, director of the state-supported arts and culture Office Riadh el Feth, recognized his talent. Snoussi facilitated Khaled’s participation in the state-sponsored Festival de la Jeunesse pour la Fête Nationale in Algiers. That same year, he was crowned “King of Rai” at the first official raï festival in Oran. Facing political challenges and threats in Algeria, Khaled relocated to Paris by 1986. His 1988 album, “Kutché,” a collaboration with Algerian jazz musician Safy Boutella, further enhanced his reputation in France. By 1992, he had dropped “Cheb” from his name and released the album “Khaled,” produced by Don Was. The album’s lead single, “Didi,” achieved widespread international success, becoming a major hit in Europe, the Arab World, and parts of Asia, solidifying his status as an international superstar.
Over his extensive career, Khaled has sold over 80.5 million albums worldwide, achieving 10 diamond, platinum, and gold certifications, making him the best-selling Arabic-language singer in history. His signature songs include “Aïcha,” “Didi,” “El Arbi,” “Abdel Kader,” “La Poupée qui fait non,” “Wahran Wahran,” “Bakhta,” “C’est la vie,” and “Alech Taadi.” In 2012, his album “C’est la vie” sold over 4 million copies globally and reached number 5 on the official French Albums Chart. Khaled holds the Guinness World Record for the best-selling artist of raï music. He has also been recognized by Forbes as a top celebrity in Arab Music. Khaled has performed at significant international events, including the FIFA World Cup ceremony in 2010 and the Grammy Jam in 2004, where he honored Earth, Wind & Fire.
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