Algerian Chaabi

Algerian chaabi is the popular song tradition of Algiers, formalised in the early 20th century by *El Hadj M'Hamed El Anka* from the older Andalusian and melhoun repertoires of the Casbah. A singer performs long qasida poems in Algerian dialect, treating love, exile, friendship, morality and city life, accompanied by a small orchestra centred on the mandole with oud, violin, piano, guitar and derbouka. Sung at weddings, cafés and family celebrations, chaabi became the sound of working-class Algiers and followed its diaspora to France, where singers such as *Dahmane El Harrachi* voiced the experience of emigration.