Cheba Zahouania is an incredibly prolific Raï artist who rose to fame in 1986 with her hit "Khâli ya khâli" with Cheb Hamid. A few years later she recorded “El baraka” with Cheb Hasni, who was known for his love songs, but also for singing about taboo subjects like divorce and alcohol. While the song was a popular hit, it also attracted some controversy due to its provocative lyrics, and both artists were threatened by fundamentalists. Tragically, in 1994, Hasni was murdered in Oran, allegedly as a result of his controversial music. Following the murder of her singing partner Zahouania relocated to France, where she continues making music.

– Megan Iacobini de Fazio