Remembering Alan James
We are truly devastated to be announcing news of the sudden death of our friend and colleague Alan.
Mon, 08 April 19
Abdel Ali Slimani
Abdel Ali Slimani was born in the U Anasser district of Algiers, the heart of a vibrant cosmopolitan port with one eye on Europe, the other on Africa. Music was a pervasive aspect of his childhood, from traditional Saharan and Berber dances to Western funk to reggae and Arab styles. During his teens he witnessed the explosion of Rai music, a youthful revolution headed by Khaled. Ali was entranced and dreamed of becoming a singer.
After traveling and working around Europe he settled in England, where he became known as a DJ and Raï enthusiast amongst the North African community in London, whipping up storms at weddings and parties as well as singing and playing impromptu sessions.
In 1991, when Jah Wobble was looking for a new singer for his Invaders of the Heart band, Ali came to his attention. Within three weeks of their first meeting, he was singing onstage at a WOMAD festival in Toronto, Canada. The new Invaders line-up caused a sensation.
Over the next three years Ali Slimani was an integral part of the Invaders of the Heart line-up, which transcended musical boundaries and created powerful and inspiring music, in concerts all over the world and on record. His contribution to the classic Take Me To God album was considered by many to be a highlight of a star-studded recording.
Ali duetted with Sinéad O’Connor on the 12″ version of her Fire In Babylon single, and put in an astonishing performance on Top of the Pops— the first Arab singer ever to appear on the legendary TV programme.
Releases
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Mraya
Mraya is an assured debut, with Abdel Ali Slimani's Algerian Raï roots finding solid ground in trance-like grooves. The album's theme reflects the emigre looking back at his home to which he cannot return, the music taking Raï to new areas— but retaining the spirit of its desert roots.
Further reading
Live: Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali UK Tour
The Pakistan-based Qawwali group returned to the UK for their first tour since 2017.
Sun, 31 March 19
All In The Family
Music journalist Campbell Stevenson takes a look at the relationship between musicians and family.
Tue, 02 April 19
What is Qawwali? —A Beginner’s Guide
A brief introduction to the music of the Sufi mystics.
Wed, 06 March 19