Well, I just went back and looked for the Afropop site: it’s www.afropop.org. There is a ton of info on there that wasn’t there the last time I looked. Could be worth exploring…
…but right now I’m in the middle of my usual Easter weekend ritual, which involves all four sides of Jesus Christ Supertar.
I’ll second the vote for Idir,
I have only heard one song by this artist and it is called:
A Tulawin
and it is created by Manu Chao and Idir, I believe.
Again, the language isn’t arabic, but it sounds (to my profoundly unexperienced in Arabic culture self) arabic. Anyway, I don’t know if its a good example of an arabic-type song, but it is good at any rate. Acutally a lot of the song is in French. Its a really cool combo between Idir and manu chao, because I am also a big fan of his, and if you know Manu Chao, he has a song called “Denia” which is acually a remix of sorts of this particular song. They are both good, but “Denia” by Manu Chao would be easier to find on Kazaa (If you were of that inclination ; ) But anyway. These two songs have to do with Algeria. I saw the lyrics once and the script was in Arabic, but, of course it could be in a regional dialect as someone else pointed out earlier. Although it was pointed out that manu chao has Arabic in denia. I can’t tell any difference between Arabic and an Algerian dialect (sorry, but I’d love to learn as I am a language lover).
Anyway, dowload…I mean buy ; )…both songs and give 'em a spin. I doubt that Manu would care if you didn’t pay is record label anyway. He makes music for the good reasons.
BTW, on another topic, I would suggest giving Manu Chau a listen. Especially Proxima Estacion: Esperanza. Its a great disc (and I do own it). It has Denia, plus me gustas tu, plus other great tracks
Language is Taqbylit, the Berber language of the Kabyle, whence comes Idir.
You should buy Idir’s CD Identities, excellent and as I recall includes the song you cite.
My current faves in Arabic music are Hamza el-Din, a Nubian oud player, and Rabih abou-Kahlil, a Lebanese oud player.
el-Din’s album “el oud” is very traditional, mostly oud and voice. A later album, “A Wish,” also features percussion and piano, and seems to take into consideration western styles of music as well.
abou-Kahlil’s “Yara” features violin, viola and frame drum (think large tamborine). Very beautiful, stately, lots of motion. “Odd Times” features a larger band, including harmonica, tuba, full drum set, and more of a jazz feel.