In this episode, we will continue our journey researching how synthesizers, drum machines, and the cassette format revolutionized music on the western coast of the Mediterranean.

This time, we will focus on how it affected Raï. The introduction of synthesizers replaced accordions and trumpets, and drum machines displaced drums and percussion. This new soundscape constituted the space of experimentation for great producers such as Rachid Baba Ahmed and Boualem Disco Maghreb, who produced the great stars of the time on their respective record labels.

It was during this time that Raï became popular internationally, traveling to Morocco, France and beyond, and hundreds of cassette shops were open from Wahran to Barbès.

The mid-90s brought turbulence to the world of Raï in Algeria, as the genre faced persecution and censorship.

We will try to give a glimpse of all these different faces of Raï with a 100% cassette episode dedicated to the golden age of the Chabas and Chebs.

Music by Chaba Zohra, Cheikha Djenia, Cheb Hasni, Cheb Khaled, Cheb Kada, Chaba Karima, Cheb Khalid, Cheb Zahouani, Chaba Nouria, Chaba Nacera, Cheb Anouar, Cheb Fazil, Houari Benchenet and more.

@sonomayrit