Rai: The Globalization of Music

1. COLONIAL INFLUENCES • The strong influence of French on this form of music makes sense since Algeria was once a colony of France, but today France has become a place of refuge for this type of music. • Spanish also had an influence of this music because of its’ close proximity to Algeria. • RAI’S HOMETOWN ROOTS • Rai originates from the northwestern port city of Oran in Algeria from regional musical styles. • The roots of rai are closely associated with the strong local culture of street life in Oran. It borrows heavily from other musical styles and appeals to people who are most down on their luck. • Its’ rise to international fame has been surrounded by controversy and misunderstanding. A cultural, linguistic, musical fusion of the world. Rai: The Globalization of Music http://www.discoverfrance.net/Colonies/Algeria3.shtml “My culture, my music has always been locked up in the countries of the third world, as we say in Africa. It was always closed in, run by military cliques. You couldn't breathe, you couldn't have cultural exchange of beautiful things, because to me, a world without culture is not a world. So to meet other people and exchange with them--that I couldn't do… That's why I always sing about freedom. I wanted to go outside; I wanted to meet others; I wanted to meet other people, and see how they live.” Cheb Khaled • THE KING OF RAI • Cheb Khaled is arguably the most internationally well-known rai artist, and he is considered to truly be a pioneer of world music. • In the early 1980’s, he became involved with the incorporation of western instruments and studio techniques into the rai sound. • His work with rai, considered subversive by Islamist extremists, forced him to move to Paris in 1990 where he became a superstar. • Since this time, his reputation has gained him a following in the UK, US, and many other countries. • He has managed to incorporate many new styles of music from around the world into his sound to appeal to his global fans. He has collaborated with numerous hip-hop stars and Indian pop artists. Yet, he has also remained linked with his roots and the music of his people. http://i-cias.com/e.o/ • THE LANGUAGES AND RELIGION OF RAI • Rai uses the local dialects of Algeria, but also shows the influence of Spanish, French, literary Arabic, rural and city dialects. • It also incorporates western instruments into the music. • Rai singers are predominately Islamic persons so the influence of this religion is powerful over the life and music of these artists. Rai is a popular attempt to modernize traditional Islamic values and attitudes. www.discoverfrance.net/colonies/algeria.shtml#people • INSTRUMENTS OF ALGERIAN MUSIC • Algeria’s geographical location as a country has led to instruments of many lands being introduced into their music. • All of the following instruments are key instruments in creating the traditional, “authentic” sound of rai. • QARQABA • A Morrocan instrument usually played on holidays and in festivals. • A rhythmic instrument used in Algerian music for dance beats. http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews46292.html http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/MapCenter/map.aspx?refid=701510019 • THE MODERN ARTISTS • Cheb and Chabas are the modern names given to the male and female singers of rai. They are given these names to differentiation them from the rai singers of the early 20th century who that use to sing in brothels. • An example of a singer with the title Cheb, who is known in the United States, is Cheb Mami. He did a duet with Sting on his “Brand New Day” album on the single “Desert Rose.” This duet was a brief introduction for Americans to the soulful music of rai. • THE ORIGINS AND DIFFUSION OF RAI • Algeria’s colonial roots also led to specific close connections with France which influenced its music traditions. Rai is interesting in that it has been influenced by five continents- South America, North America, Africa, Europe, and Asia, and has in turn influenced music around the world. • Rai emerged from modern day Algeria in the early 1920’s gaining momentum in the 1980’s. Located in Northern Africa, Algeria has easy access to cultural exchange with both Europe and the Middle East. This exchange of cultures led to the genesis of new music forms which then dispersed across the world. http://chandrakantha.com/articles/indian_music/rabab.html • RABAB • The rabab is considered a holy instrument in Iran, and there are often verses of the Quran carved into one. • This precursor to the violin has been in existence since 5000 BCE. • Traditionally the rabab was played with a bow, but in modern times, it is played by hand. http://www.africainmusica.org/instruments/inglese/idiofoni/Quarqaba.htm • OUD OR UD • The oud first appeared in Mesopotamia between 1600-1150 BCE. • The oud is tradionally played with an eagle feather. • As proof of this instrument’s global influence, it goes by six different names in at least five countries. http://eil.com/shop/moreinfo.asp?catalogid=285564 • CONTROVERSY AND BACKLASH • Many artists of rai have felt a backlash against their specific brand of music. Conflicts between the messages of the music and the ideas of many extremist Islamic groups have resulted in violence. • Between 1992 and 1996, four rai stars were assassinated by extremist Islamic groups, and many of the rest of these artists were forced to flee because of death threats. • Though rai is growing in popularity around the world, areas heavily dominated by extremist Islamic groups have banned this form of music because of its discussion of themes not condoned by these groups. • THE PRINCE OF RAI • Cheb Mami is considered to be the “Prince of Rai” and has been a popular rai Singer since the age of fourteen. • His 1999 album “Meli Meli” went platinum in France and mixed elements of hiphop, reggae, and flamenco. • DERBUKA • Traditionally an Arabic instrument made of clay and fish skin, today derbukas are made from artificial materials and sheep skin. http://fr.audiofanzine.com/produits/index,idproduit,39926.html www. Austahrt.ed/aus06140.htm http://website.lineone.net/~david.parfitt/ Rachel Avery, Geography 801:11: Cities in a Globalizing World