“Beautiful songs, a haunting voice - she is called Algeria's answer to Tracy Chapman but is so much more”
OBSERVER MUSIC MONTHLY
“Massi has one of the most versatile voices in modern world music”
THE TIMES
Often compared to Joan Baez or Tracy Chapman, Souad Massi is a leading light among Algerian artists. Born in Alger on August 23 1972, Souad comes from a family of performers; her elder brother is a composer, her younger brother a musician and her sister a dancer. Having studied Arabo-Andalousian classical music, music theory and universal classical music Souad began performing Algerian folk rock as a solo artist whilst also playing in flamenco band 'Les Trianas d'Alger". The band was not successful, yet from its ashes she formed 'Atakor!' with whom she traveled Algeria. The bands hard rock style and politically active lyrics echoed through the country, yet due to growing political unrest things became increasingly difficult for Souad and she found herself dismissed from her day job, which led to a period of great emotional and financial pressure. The young Souad was almost at the point of turning her back on the music industry when she was invited to perform at the "Femmes d'Algérie / Women from Algeria" Festival, a show at Paris' Cabernet Sauvage initiated by Allalou (a former radio and television reporter) and the "Bled-Connection" association.
It was an unequivocal success - a celebration of Ramadan, a battle against fundamentalism and a coming together of Algerian musicians of all ages and ethnicity to unite in the fight for freedom - the atmosphere was electric. Parisian audiences were astounded by Souad's performance and moved by her voice and its ability to transcend language barriers. Following the concert Souad signed a contract with record label Island-Mercury, and Bob Coke (who had previously worked with Ben Harper) was responsible for artistic production. He decided to produce a live album that would capture Souad's energy and emotion. The result was a critically and popularly acclaimed eclectic album that showed Souad's impressive range, wavering between rock, folk and chaabi, mixing electric and acoustic guitars, and at once rebellious and melodious. At the same time she was in demand for live shows, opening concerts such as Orchestre National de Barbes, Thierry Titi Robin, Geoffrey Oreyma and Idir, and touring with Saez, which introduced her to a new rock audience who were immediately seduced by the young activist singer.
Souad now lives in Paris but Algeria is at the heart of her music; she takes advantage of the freedom of expression that Europe affords her to say aloud what she has been singing for many years. In her own words "[to] remain silent would mean that terrorists have won and that all the intellectuals they murdered, died for nothing."
Having recently won both Victoires de la Musique and BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards for Best Album, Souad continues to tour internationally and has taken part in Damon Albarn's 'Africa Express' jam sessions in London and Africa.
