The Algerian artist Bilal sought to make a distinction between his music and that of other raï singers.
Speaking from Morocco’s Mawazine Festival, he said the genre can sometimes be misconstrued as being lyrically vulgar.
“There is more to it than that,” he explained. “Some people talk about those kinds of subjects and I respect their choices; however, for me, my songs talk about the plight of immigrants and the struggles of daily life.”
Bilal also scoffed at the notion that some of his politically motivated lyrics is a result of the Arab Spring uprisings.
“I have been talking about these since 1998 during the Arab winter,” he said. “I sing for everyone because I am inspired by everyone and everything.”
Born in Algeria, Bilal began as a wedding singer before graduating from the Conservatory of Music in Oran.
His career was launched in the mid-90s after immigrating to France and gaining fame on the back of the large Algerian diaspora.
He recently released his latest compilation: Best of Cheb Bilal.
Watch this space for all the latest news from the Mawazine festival. For details, visit www.festivalmawazine.ma
sasaeed@thenational.ae
