Algerian Radio
Malouf music star Abbas Righi performed a live concert of traditional songs from eastern Algeria on Saturday in Algiers, captivating a large audience.
Accompanied on the legendary stage of the Algerian Radio's "Aissa-Messaoudi" Auditorium by seven virtuoso musicians led by violist Samir Boukredera, Abbas Righi presented a two-hour, four-part program. Before beginning, he expressed his "immense happiness to reunite with his Algiers audience."
Broadcast live on Chaine 3 radio as part of Algerian Radio's special programming for the holy month of Ramadan, the Andalusian recital featured around twenty pieces spanning various modes and genres of Andalusian music.
The Nouba Sika featuring the flagship piece "Ksentina," a suite of Medh-Hawzi including "Leriem," a Mezmoun program, and Aroubi-K'cid pieces such as "Dhalma," were among the diverse repertoires performed by Righi in a truly magical evening atmosphere.
Through beautiful modal and rhythmic variations, the high-pitched tones of the violins, the nay (Arab flute), and the ghaïta, combined with the rich density of the string instruments and the steady tempo maintained by the nekkaret (small twin kettle drums played with sticks), vividly painted the unique sonic identity of the Malouf genre across the auditorium.
Bursting with energy, Abbas Righi delivered an outstanding performance, generously showcasing Malouf—the musical heritage of eastern Algeria—to a highly "receptive and welcoming" audience.
Throughout the concert, spectators supported the singer with spirited ululations (youyous) and continuous applause, clapping along to the beat and singing the choruses of every song in a euphoric atmosphere.
Born in 1984, Abbas Righi developed an early passion for Malouf, representing the Constantine School. This is one of the three main variants of Algerian Andalusian music, alongside the Sanâa school of Algiers and the Gharnati school of Tlemcen.
After spending time at the "Zaouia Rahmania" and the "El Aqiqia El Aissaouia" association, where he immersed himself in Sufi music, the artist ultimately chose Malouf, which quickly became his genre of choice.
In 2002, he joined the "Students of the Malouf Institute" association, then led by the late Sheikh Kaddour Darsouni (1927-2020). Darsouni quickly recognized him as a "future great voice" and taught him to master percussion—a fundamental prerequisite for developing strong musicality.
A few years later, he became the lead singer and lutenist of his own orchestra. Through years of hard work, he went on to participate in numerous artistic events both in Algeria and abroad.
To date, Abbas Righi has recorded several albums: "Mejrouh" (2010), "Zadni Hwak Ghram" (2012), "Ama Sebba Lahbab" (2016), and "Salah Bey" (2017). He has also released a four-CD collection highlighting the various genres of Constantine music titled "Couleurs de Constantine" (Colors of Constantine), as well as his latest digital release (available on flash drive), "Hosn El Habib" (2025).
