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Independence & Modern Algeria
El Hadj M'Hamed El Anka
Intellectuals & Culture
Poets & Artists1907–1978Algiers
“He taught the Casbah how to sing itself.”
Historical significance
He is widely regarded as the founding father of modern chaâbi.
Father of modern chaâbi — the soundtrack of Algiers' streets, weddings and grief, still.
Their story
Master of the Algerian chaâbi music, El Hadj M'Hamed El Anka transformed an old urban song tradition of Algiers into a popular and celebrated genre, training a whole generation of musicians.
Did you know?
He performed for decades at the Casbah's cafés and helped raise chaâbi to national stages.