[Youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qiu2mgIMkNQ]

I discover that Cheikha Rimitti (1923 – 2006)[1], queen of Raï has died.

Arab music is a whole universe in itself, its connection to world music and world culture obvious from this map.

Here is an excellent piece by Farid El-Atrash [2]

My first foray on this blog in Arab music[3].

Our first exposure to Arab music in the Western world of the late 20th century was Ofra Haza‘s “Im Nin’Alu“[5][6] song, which was sampled by rap duo Eric B. & Rakim in their single “Paid In Full“(“this is a journey into sound”)[7].