Contents
Cheb Mami
Bringing raï vocals to international audiences, including Sting’s Desert Rose.
Meli Meli · Desert Rose
- Born
- 11 July 1966
- Birthplace
- Saïda, Algeria
More people
Cheb Mami
Cheb Mami developed his agile vocal style through Algerian performances and recordings before building a career in France. His music combines raï with other Mediterranean and popular styles.
Early life
Saïda childhood
Born Mohamed Khelifati in the Graba-el-Wed district of Saïda.
Early performances
Sang at weddings before reaching a wider audience through a televised talent competition.
Career
- 1982
Television exposure
Finished runner-up in Alhane wa chabab.
- 1985
Move to France
Moved to Paris and performed at raï festivals.
- 1989 onward
International touring
Returned to European performance after military service.
- 1999
Crossover recording
Sang with Sting on Desert Rose.
Selected work
Meli Meli
An album joining raï with international pop production.
Desert Rose
Contributed Arabic vocals to Sting’s recording.
Dellali
Combined raï singing with international production and collaborations.
Beyond music
Military service
Served in Algeria during the late 1980s, performing as an entertainer on army bases.
Criminal conviction
A French court sentenced him to five years in prison in 2009 over an attempted forced abortion; he was conditionally released in 2011.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Europe 1: conviction reporting ↗French National Library: Meli Meli ↗Photo: User:Saber68. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
