Baaziz
Baaziz | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Abdelaziz Bekhti |
Born |
1963 (age 52–53) Cherchell, Algeria |
Instruments | Guitar |
Years active | 1989–present |
Baaziz, stage name of Abdelaziz Bekhti, (born 1963 in Cherchell, northern Algeria) is an Algerian singer and songwriter.
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]
Discography
- Chaâbi Rock'n Bled (2005)
- Café de l'indépendance (2004)
- Dorénavant (1999)
- Coyotte
- Ybip-Emmou
- El-Rebelle
- The Best
References
- ↑ "Les Enchanteurs ont accueilli Baaziz et sa valise de chansons engagées". Les Échos du Pas-de-Calais. 31 March 2009. Retrieved 16 March 2010.
- ↑ "Tentés par l'abstention, les Algériens élisent aujourd'hui leur président". la-croix.com. 8 April 2009. Retrieved 16 March 2010.
- ↑ "L'indépendence de Baaziz". Radio France Internationale. 28 June 2004. Retrieved 16 March 2010.
- ↑ Martin, Marie-Hélène (2008). Le Petit Futé Algérie. Petit Futé. p. 131. ISBN 978-2-7469-2196-2.
- ↑ "Baaziz candidat à la présidentielle?". Jeune Afrique. 10 December 2008. Retrieved 16 March 2010.
- ↑ "« Je ne soutiens aucun candidat à la présidentielle »". El Watan. 23 March 2009. Retrieved 16 March 2010.