Faudel

Faudel (فضيل), born Faudel Belloua (فضيل بيلوى) on June 6, 1978 in Mantes-la-Jolie, is a French raï singer of Algerian descent.

Biography

Early years

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.