Baaziz

Baaziz, stage name of Abdelaziz Bekhti, (born 1963 in Cherchell, northern Algeria) is an Algerian singer and songwriter.

Baaziz
Background information
Birth nameAbdelaziz Bekhti
Born1963 (age 56–57)
Cherchell, Algeria
InstrumentsGuitar
Years active1989–present

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.

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
  • Chaâbi Rock'n Bled (2005)
  • Café de l'indépendance (2004)
  • Dorénavant (1999)
  • Coyotte
  • Ybip-Emmou
  • El-Rebelle
  • The Best
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References
  1. "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.
  2. "Tentés par l'abstention, les Algériens élisent aujourd'hui leur président". la-croix.com. 8 April 2009. Retrieved 16 March 2010.
  3. "L'indépendence de Baaziz". Radio France Internationale. 28 June 2004. Retrieved 16 March 2010.
  4. Martin, Marie-Hélène (2008). Le Petit Futé Algérie. Petit Futé. p. 131. ISBN 978-2-7469-2196-2.
  5. "Baaziz candidat à la présidentielle?". Jeune Afrique. 10 December 2008. Retrieved 16 March 2010.
  6. "« Je ne soutiens aucun candidat à la présidentielle »". El Watan. 23 March 2009. Retrieved 16 March 2010.
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