Baaziz
Baaziz بعزيز | |
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| Background information | |
| Born | Abdelaziz Bekhti 1963 (age 61–62) Cherchell, Algeria |
| Occupations |
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| Instrument | Guitar |
| Years active | 1989–present |
Abdelaziz Bekhti (Arabic: عبد العزيز بختي; born 1963), known professionally as Baaziz (بعزيز), is an Algerian singer and songwriter.
Life and music
[edit]Though resident in France, Baaziz is one of Algeria's most outspoken singer/songwriters.[1] Baaziz first attracted attention with his debut 1989 single, "Ya Hasrah kikount Esseghir" (English: Once upon a time I was a kid), which he based on a song by the genial Rachid Ksentini. Throughout most of his career he was banned from airplay on Algerian radio and TV.[2] However, his most successful tune, "Algeria My Love", led to special recognition from President Bouteflika.[3] Acceptance by the Algerian government, however, was short-lived. His decision to perform a song denouncing Algeria's generals, "Waili Waili", on a live-broadcast television show despite warnings resulted in him being censured.[4] Though a contemporary of musicians such as Cheb Hasni, Cheba Djanet, Khaled and Faudel, Baaziz is not a singer of Raï music.
Political career
[edit]In 2008, Baaziz announced his intention to stand in the forthcoming Algerian presidential election.[5] The candidacy did not, however, materialise and he announced that he would not be supporting any of the candidates.[6]
Discography
[edit]- Chaâbi Rock'n Bled (2005)
- Café de l'indépendance (2004)
- Dorénavant (1999)
- Coyotte
- Ybip-Emmou
- El-Rebelle
- The Best
References
[edit]- ^ "Les Enchanteurs ont accueilli Baaziz et sa valise de chansons engagées". Les Échos du Pas-de-Calais. 31 March 2009. Archived from the original on 10 July 2011. Retrieved 16 March 2010.
- ^ "Tentés par l'abstention, les Algériens élisent aujourd'hui leur président". la-croix.com. 8 April 2009. Retrieved 16 March 2010.
- ^ "L'indépendance de Baaziz". Radio France Internationale. 28 June 2004. Retrieved 16 March 2010.
- ^ Martin, Marie-Hélène (2008). Le Petit Futé Algérie. Petit Futé. p. 131. ISBN 978-2-7469-2196-2.
- ^ "Baaziz candidat à la présidentielle?". Jeune Afrique. 10 December 2008. Retrieved 16 March 2010.
- ^ "" Je ne soutiens aucun candidat à la présidentielle "". El Watan. 23 March 2009. Retrieved 16 March 2010.
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