Algerian Radio
The "El Djazira" Andalusian music association hosted a concert of M'dih (devotional) chants on Monday evening in Algiers, as part of the cultural program for the holy month of Ramadan.
Organized by the Arts and Culture Establishment in collaboration with the Riad El Feth Office (OREF), the vibrant concert held at OREF’s Ibn Zeydoun Hall featured twenty virtuoso instrumentalists—including 13 women—conducted by Nasreddine Hammouche (Bassirou), who delivered a performance marked by mastery and professionalism.
In a warm and convivial atmosphere, the musicians took the stage to the applause and youyous (ululations) of the audience. They appeared elegant in traditional silk and velvet costumes adorned with gold embroidery, reflecting Algeria’s ancestral cultural heritage.
Before a large audience, the smooth voices of soloists Hafida Boungab, Lina Benelmouloud, Neila Koriz, and Amira Slatna, along with tenor Bassirou, performed a repertoire divided into three parts, notably in the Raml El Maya, Zidène, and Gh'rib modes.
Through beautiful modal and rhythmic variations, the El Djazira ensemble sang several M'dihs. In the Raml El Maya mode, they performed "Ahcen ma youqal âïndi," "Ya Mohamed hay Sidi," and "Ya Rassoul Allah, enta El Habib." Continuing in the Zidène mode with "Zawedna fi H'Mek" and "El Horm ya R'soul Allah," the performers concluded in the Gh'rib mode with pieces such as "Mahboubi ya men zarou" and "La ilaha illa Allah ya Moulana."
For their part, instrumental soloists Mourad Bernoussi on the banjo and Adlane Hammouche on the Oud (lute) enhanced the Ramadan evening’s atmosphere during the Istikhbars (musical preludes) with beautiful melodic flourishes, showcasing great technical skill.
For nearly two hours, the richness of Andalusian music’s M'dih heritage—shaped by the creative genius of the early composers of this sophisticated art form—was highlighted by an orchestra of virtuosos spanning several generations.
Among this talented ensemble was Professor Bachir Mazouni on the piano, a master of the genre who, following in the footsteps of his father, Mohamed Mazouni, has dedicated his life to serving Algerian Andalusian music through performance, training, and transmission.
At the end of the show, the musicians of the "El Djazira" Orchestra received a long ovation from the audience, who savored the spiritual richness and solemnity of the recital.
Founded in October 1993 in Algiers and chaired by the artist Brahim Bahloul, the "El Djazira" Andalusian music association aims to promote, preserve, and globalize the country's Andalusian musical heritage.
