Search - Houria Aichi :: Khalva: Sacred Songs (Algeria)

Berber Songs Praise for God and His Prophets

Zekeriyah | Chicago, IL | 07/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Of Chaoui Berber descent, Houria Aichi is a very talented woman whose works span the spiritual music of Algeria. Praising God and His Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), this is perhaps her best release, and explores everything from traditional Berber music of the Chaoui and Kabyles, to popular folk tunes from every corner of the country. Especially moving is her rendition of 'Khalwa,' the spiritual retreat, as well as the multi-part pieces 'Khaounia' and 'Sidi Slimane'. Accompanied by ghaita (North African bagpipes), bendir and duff, bansouri and even kora, and backed by a full chorus, Aichi's voice soars majestically. This is a beautiful collection of authentic spiritual sounds from Algeria, and certainly the strongest of her releases. Best of all, it includes full liner notes in Arabic, English and French. Sure, its an import CD, but if your interested in exploring the rural folk sounds of Algeria's Chaoui Berbers, you'd be hard pressed to find better recordings than those of Houria Aichi. Definitely one of the best albums of religious music from North Africa, and very accessible. I strongly recommend checking it out."