Algerian Music and Politics: How Songs Became a Tool for Change

Source: Africa Publicity

Algerian musicians have long been at the forefront of social and political movements, using their art as a powerful tool to challenge authority, inspire change, and give voice to the people. From the colonial era to the post-independence period, and into the modern day, Algerian music has been deeply intertwined with the nation’s struggles and aspirations.

Colonial Resistance: The Birth of Political Music

Algeria’s colonial history under French rule (1830–1962) shaped much of its early political music. Musicians in this period often embedded subtle messages of resistance in their songs, blending traditional Chaabi music with politically charged lyrics. Chaabi, a popular genre that evolved in the working-class districts of Algiers, became a vehicle for expressing dissatisfaction with colonial rule.

A prominent figure in this movement was El Hadj M’Hamed El Anka, considered the father of modern chaabi. El Anka’s music captured the pain and suffering of the Algerian people under French oppression. His songs often featured coded language that spoke to national identity, solidarity, and the desire for liberation. These veiled political messages resonated deeply with Algerians, reinforcing their resolve to fight for independence.

Other artists, such as Cheikh El Hasnaoui and Slimane Azem, also contributed to the nationalist cause through their music. Exiled to France, Azem used his songs to criticize both the colonial regime and, later, the independent Algerian government for its failures. Their music became anthems for those yearning for freedom, stirring the hearts of the Algerian masses during the war for independence (1954-1962).

Post-Independence: The Struggle for Identity

After Algeria gained independence in 1962, musicians continued to play a crucial role in shaping the national consciousness. The post-independence era saw the rise of a new generation of artists who used their music to explore questions of identity, governance, and social justice in the fledgling nation.

The 1970s witnessed the emergence of **Rai** music, a genre that originated in the western Algerian city of Oran. Rai blended traditional Bedouin folk music with Western rock, jazz, and reggae, creating a sound that appealed to Algeria’s youth. At first, rai music was seen as subversive due to its often explicit lyrics about love, alcohol, and taboo social issues. But as the political climate in Algeria evolved, rai musicians began to incorporate more direct political messages into their music.

Cheb Khaled, often referred to as the “King of Rai,” became one of the most prominent voices in the genre. In the 1980s, as Algeria grappled with economic hardship, unemployment, and a growing sense of disillusionment with the ruling government, rai musicians like Khaled, Cheb Hasni, and Rachid Taha used their songs to express the frustrations of the Algerian people. Their music gave a voice to the marginalized and called for reform, making them symbols of resistance.

Rachid Taha, in particular, became known for his politically charged lyrics, which often criticized the government and addressed issues of corruption, inequality, and the plight of Algerian immigrants in France. His hit song “Barbès” highlighted the struggles faced by North African immigrants in Paris, while “Voila Voila” tackled racism and xenophobia in Europe.

The Black Decade: Music in Times of Conflict

The 1990s marked a dark period in Algerian history, as the country descended into a brutal civil war, often referred to as the “Black Decade.” Islamist groups and government forces clashed violently, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 150,000 people. During this period, many musicians found themselves caught in the crossfire, with some paying the ultimate price for their art.

Rai singer Cheb Hasni became a tragic symbol of the war’s toll on Algerian artists. Known for his romantic and often provocative songs, Hasni’s music was viewed by Islamist extremists as morally corrupt. In 1994, at the height of the civil war, Hasni was assassinated in Oran, likely for his perceived challenge to conservative Islamic values. His death sent shockwaves through the Algerian music community and highlighted the dangers artists faced during this tumultuous time.

Despite the threats, musicians continued to use their art to resist both the violence of the extremists and the authoritarianism of the state. Some, like Lounès Matoub, an outspoken advocate for Berber rights and secularism, used their songs to call for peace, tolerance, and the protection of Algeria’s diverse cultural heritage. Matoub, like Hasni, was assassinated in 1998, but his legacy as a fearless voice for freedom endures.

Modern Day: Continuing the Legacy of Resistance

Today, Algerian musicians continue to challenge the political status quo and promote social change, drawing on the rich legacy of their predecessors. The Hirak movement, a series of anti-government protests that began in 2019, has inspired a new generation of artists to speak out through their music.

Hip-hop and rap, in particular, have become popular genres for expressing dissent. Artists like Didine Canon 16, Phobia Isaac, and Ouled El Bahdja have used their music to criticize government corruption, unemployment, and the lack of political freedoms. Their songs have become rallying cries for the protest movement, echoing the sentiments of millions of young Algerians who are demanding a better future.

Soolking, an Algerian rapper and singer who gained international fame, has also lent his voice to the cause. His song “Liberté,” released in support of the Hirak protests, became an anthem for the movement, resonating with Algerians both at home and abroad. The song’s lyrics call for freedom from oppression and corruption, reflecting the hopes and frustrations of a generation that has grown tired of political stagnation.

Conclusion: Music as a Catalyst for Change

Throughout Algeria’s tumultuous history, musicians have played a vital role in challenging political systems and advocating for social change. From the early days of colonial resistance to the present-day protests against government corruption, Algerian artists have used their songs to amplify the voices of the oppressed and to inspire collective action. Music in Algeria is not merely entertainment; it is a powerful form of resistance, a vehicle for political expression, and a catalyst for social change.

As Algeria continues to navigate its complex political landscape, the legacy of its musical resistance endures, reminding the world of the unique power of art to inspire change in even the most difficult of times.