Cheb Hasni

Cheb Hasni (August 1, 1968 – September 29, 1994) was an Algerian raï singer, songwriter, dancer and musician. He is considered to be one of the most successful and influential raï singers of all time.

Hasni was born in Oran, Algeria, the son of a bricklayer and a housewife. He began singing at an early age and, by the age of 15, he had formed his own band. In 1988, he released his debut album, "Ya Rayah", which was a critical and commercial success. The album's title track became a huge hit in Algeria and throughout the Arab world.

Hasni followed up his debut album with a string of successful releases, including "Rani" (1989), "Aâlach Tlouh" (1990), and "N'sel Fik" (1991). His music was a fusion of traditional raï with Western pop and rock elements, and his lyrics often dealt with themes of love, loss, and social injustice.

Hasni's success brought him international fame and he began touring extensively throughout the world. He performed at major music festivals, including the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Festival d'Avignon, and he collaborated with a number of international artists, including Sting and Bono.

In 1994, Hasni was killed in a car accident at the age of 26. His death shocked the world and led to an outpouring of grief from his fans. He was posthumously awarded the Algerian National Order of Merit and his music continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world.

Hasni's legacy is one of a pioneer who helped to bring raï music to a global audience. He was a talented singer, songwriter, and dancer who had a unique ability to connect with his fans. His music is still popular today and he is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of Algerian music.