Faudel (فضيل), born Faudel Belloua (فضيل بيلوى) on June 6, 1978 in Mantes-la-Jolie, is a French raï singer of Algerian descent.
Faudel was brought up in the suburbs of Paris, where he picked up his musical talents from his grandmother, who taught him traditional Algerian music. His grandmother performed regularly with the meddahates, groups of female musicians in Oran who play traditional music at weddings and other family occasions. It was Faudel's grandmother who was largely responsible for putting the young boy in touch with his Algerian roots and teaching him traditional raï rhythms during the summer holidays.
His first public singing experience was during a family wedding celebration in Oran, Algeria. Faudel started to cover the popular tracks by Cheb Khaled and Cheb Mami at 12, after which he soon fronted the popular band Les Etoiles du Raï (The Rai Stars). Faudel and Les Etoiles du Rai soon became a well-known fixture at the youth club and other local associations in Mantes-la-Jolie. Faudel then went on to appear at clubs throughout the Paris suburbs, performing covers of Khaled, Zahouania and Mami's greatest hits, accompanied by a pre-recorded backing tape.
individuals run for cover,
for the multitudes of thoughtless clones have reached a critical mass,
individuals hide in fear, under cover,
sheltered by the wafer thin veil of intelligence
individuals, nowhere to be seen
urbana is oozing like a bloated carcass,
with maggots cooking in the desert heat,
oozing, with progeny writhing and desperate
for input from someone more determined
congregating in invisible circles,
half apart and half apart,
all too aware of the insignificance,
pushing on with soul and heart
individuals don't pray for forgiveness,
when pinned up against the wall under siege of persecution,
individuals command exception,
and accept dichotomy,
maybe you can't choose anymore
procreation without gain or purpose,
languid wills and torped minds,