Faudel

Faudel, a French singer of Algerian raï, distinguishes himself within that tradition after the path set by Cheb Mami, Cheikha Remitti and Messaoud Bellemou. His first stage appearances came at twelve, when he interpreted songs made famous by Cheb Khaled and Cheb Mami as frontman of Les Étoiles du Raï. Those early shows soon led to opening slots for MC Solaar. During the mid-nineties his profile rose quickly, bringing television spots and festival bookings across France. Still eighteen, he secured a contract with Mercury in 1995. The album Baïda appeared two years afterward, followed by Samra in spring 2001. He continued releasing material through the 2000s, issuing four studio albums and one best-of collection by 2010.