John Metcalfe announces new album and reveals first track ‘Xylem’
Tree is set for release on vinyl, CD and digitally via Real World Records on 22 September 2023.
Fri, 26 May 23
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
Rokia Koné & Jacknife Lee share brand new song ‘Fanga’
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Thu, 27 April 23
Jocelyn Pook & Akram Khan on reimagining The Jungle Book
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Wed, 08 March 23
Guitarist Salif Koné demonstrates three musical styles from Mali
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Mon, 02 May 22