Cheb Yazid: a Raiman with a Cause and on a Mission

Interview -

There are many popular Rai songs that even a novice Rai enthusiast would more likely be familiar with. These songs include Cheb Khaled’s “Didi”, and Cheb Hasni’s “Tal Ghiyabek”. Then you have these songs that are easily recognizable but naming the artist may not be quite as easy of a task. The track “Sobri Sobri” is such a case. Until today, whenever it is played, many burst out singing along, but few could correctly identify the singer. Who is it by? Is this just another Rai artist or could he different?
Fortune would have it that this artist performed in my area and I was able to attend his event. His name is Cheb Yazid. After doing a little bit of research, I found him to be an interesting character. That provoked my curiosity. To dig deep, I sat down with him for a chat:


Jamal Laoudi (JL): Thank you Cheb Yazid for being with us and welcome to Washington DC:

Cheb Yazid (CZ): Thank you for having me Jamal. Glad to be back in Washington for the second time in 11 years after having been here in August 1998. That visit was part of the first World Tour of my career as a Rai artist.


JL: Can you shed some light on how you started and your early career in general?

CZ: As a kid, I loved music. I used to perform at my high school then the university, and always for my friends. Overtime, my name gained more a more recognition. I made an album and sold very well. Then in 1994, I slowly began performing in concerts.
That was the very beginning. What fueled my passion further were the 1990s events in Algeria in the form of terrorism. These events compelled me to try and do something for the people to the best of my abilities. During that time, terrorists raped women. Many of those raped were forced to abandon their babies and that led to an increase in the number of orphans. The government built many orphanages for the abandoned. In 1998, I embarked on a world tour to help raise awareness and funds for these kids. In Algeria alone, I held 20 concerts starting the first day of June. I picked this date because it is International Children's day. After, I did 10 concerts in France, and then came to North America in August where I had concerts in Washington DC, San Francisco, and Montreal. Great memories from this North American tour especially the public’s response. This was due to the success of my 1997 song “Sobri Sobri” so everyone had been waiting to hear it live. Another aspect I really liked about that tour was the fact the audience was comprised of not only Algerians but Moroccans and Tunisians also. That was quite nice to see. Ever since, and on June first of every year, I organize a huge benefit concert partly to take on a cause and adopt a message as an artist, as every artist must do so. I think that is important as we represent our countries. In addition to that date, I have March 7th, International Woman's Day. Since 1997, I organize a concert every year in one of the biggest indoor arenas in Algeria that can host up to 17,000 people. I realized that woman in general played an important role in combating terrorism in Algeria so I decide to pay homage to them on that day. These causes are very dear to me that I much prefer to be remembered for supporting them then for producing or making any hit song however small or big its success may be. Some artists may take issue with this approach but I should add that I did not take up singing as a mean to earn a living. I happen to hold a PhD in Sports Psychology. I made the choice to pursue a career as a Rai artist as opposed to academics to the disapproval and resistance of many.


JL: I see that you are very dedicated to your causes and you speak passionately of them:

CZ: Very much so. I would easily turn down doing a concert strictly for money however I would jump at the opportunity to do a charitable concert Pro Bono.
As a matter of fact, I am looking into partaking in an anti-racism event for South Africa. This event will be held in Canada on March 20th 2010. I am very happy with this opportunity because as I previously stated, I think artists should take a stand on social and humanitarian issues and do their best to contribute using their art. I hope I can do enough so that I am remembered for my humanitarian work. I know artists who may have great careers but their humanitarian record leaves much to be desired. On a different note, in 2005, I celebrated the tenth year of my career. Many have said that there are some artists whose careers span over 30 years and don’t speak of celebrating them. I replied by simply stating that some can do in 10 years more than others would in 30.


JL: In 1998 you had to choose between your artistic and academic careers. You have chosen the former and sacrificed a PhD with the many years of hard work and sacrifice that came with it. Why this bold and courageous move against the advice of many?

CZ: The main reason was my fans. They really supported me. Fans' support to an artist is like water to a flower. A flower would wither if not watered. I have always been consistently showered with love and support from my fans, and that continues to be the case today. In some concerts, attendance can be in the thousands. I feel that I have a duty towards these fans and I could not abandon them. That alone sealed the faith of my career back then. I had no choice. I confess that I feared my career would be short-lived but I am grateful that it is well, alive, and kicking.


JL: You mentioned the every year during International Woman's Day and International Children's day, you organize benefit concerts and events. Do you have a major sponsor? Do you work with or are you in contact with any of the United Nations humanitarian organizations?

CZ: I did my very first benefit event on my own. Youth and Sports ministry, to whom I am thankful though it is their duty, provided me with a ready-arena to perform, and took care of advertisement. It was a great success. The biggest turnout was about 20,000 in Algeria. By the time I finish a tour, I would reach over 100,000 spectators.
Everything else I did and continue to do Pro Bono for the public. It is the case that I still have no major sponsor to speak of. We contacted UNICEF once but we got no response. May be their criteria is such that they only work with well internationally-established artists. I have expressed to them my willingness and readiness to be their ambassador in North Africa. I hope this eventually materializes.


JL: Let me shift gears to a different topic. There are many types of music in Algeria most if not all have preceded Rai genre; yet, the latter achieved internationalization in a relatively short period of time despite facing most resistance at least locally. Why do you think that is?

CZ: I think two reasons: The beat and the tempo of Rai is closer to that of many western music compared to Malouf genre for instance. The second reason and it is up to you whether or not you want to report this, Rai as a type was very controversial due to its provocative lyrics. Until 1996 you could not hear Rai on the radio or TV. Some in the West wanted to support this underground genre. I may be wrong but that is my opinion.


JL: There are many who aspire to become successful Rai artists. The observation is that the majority, but not all, of those who succeed come from Wahran. It is almost as if it is a prerequisite that one be from Wahran to make it in Rai. Why do you think that is?

CZ: There is some truth to that. Let me first point out that Wahran is not just the city per se but the entire western region. Let us not forget that Cheb Mami is from Saida, about 100 km south of Wahran. Getting back to your question, I am from Wahran. Since I remember, I have been exposed to Badoui and Rai music. That is part of the culture I grew up in. Those genres are what my parents listened to also. That being said, let me point out that in 1994, some Rai singers from the capital Alger surfaced such as Cheb Hassan, Cheb Mohamed Lamin, Cheb Elharashi. None is from Wahran. They have proved that you need not necessarily be from Wahran in order to make it as a Rai artist. Cheb Khalass from Qustantina also had some success thought he sings Shaoui. From Shlef, you have Sheikh Azzedin Shikhaoui whose song “wash dani lghorba” (why did I Emigrate) was a huge success. To sum up my answer, I think it has much to do with culture first and foremost though you can find exceptions.


JL: Compare and Contrast Rai in the 80s and early 90s, and Rai today _

CZ: Let me go to even pre80s Rai. One, you did not hear it on the radio or watched it on TV. Two, many artists used very “controversial” lyrics. For instance, Cheb Khaled in the 80s had a song where part of the lyrics goes: “ragdin fi zabouj wa ashana rouj” (Sleeping under a tree and dinning with red wine). Today, he uses no such lyrics. Its lyrics were socially rejected.


JL: Some say that Rai succeeded precisely because it pushed the envelop and addressed taboo issues. Surely these artists did not invent such words and concepts; they were merely reporting what they are seeing in their environment. These provocative lyrics are not mentioned just for fun. What do you think?

CZ: Yes, Rai has provocative lyrics. There is a supposedly “clean” song in Chaabi that goes “ wlaah manerwit ghir ila deqt a riq” (I won't be happy until I made love”. To me, this is provocative. The difference is that it is not explicit; words games are at play here. We cannot ignore our culture and tradition. We ought to adjust for that. We can always express ourselves but just make sure provocative lyrics are encrypted if you will. This is the case for our generation today. Remember that since 1996, Rai has cleaned up its act lyrically speaking, and now it is all over the radio and TV. This is due partly to careful handling of lyrics.


JL: Talk to me a little a bit about your process of making an album and precisely, how do you choose your songs?

CZ: I think that the most difficult part for me was finding lyricists who understand my style. I am lucky because since 5 years ago, I have found four lyricists who now know what I look for. Two are from Alger, one from Wahran, and another young and upcoming good lyricist from Tlemcen. Usually, I would take the lyrics to a composer; he would then give me 2 or 3 options and I choose the one I like best. We then work with the arranger and perfect it, be it add an instrument or remove one so on and so forth. We then add vocals. I also make sure that the subjects we treat vary.


JL: Let us regress. You are presented with all Rai singers; who would you pick to do a duet with? Why?

CZ: It would have to be Boutaiba Sghir. My dad used to listen to him and I grow up on his music as well. When I got older, I met him and we became good friends. Being a giant in my eyes, I was in disbelief that I befriend such a personality. I discovered many great qualities of him. He is quite helpful and encouraging. Mind you, in the 70s, he was a huge artist with hits such as “Trigue Lycee.” I really appreciate his artistic qualities as well.


JL: You are presented with all singers in the world; who would you pick to do a duet with? Why?

CZ: This is a really tough one. I would have to say Jedounae (Morocco) because I really appreciate the guy as an artist and as a person. In duets, there are many things to consider. For me, friendship counts and is very important. I toured with him and we did about 20 concerts. We became good friends. Let me reiterate that this is a tough question to answer.


JL: what is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear:

a. Rai music: a Voice for the Youth
b. Emigration: Escaping Reality.
c. Cheb Hasni: Hope
d. Le Grand Maghreb: Desire
e. The future: the New Generation


JL: If anyone wants to find out more about Cheb Yazid and his artistic and humanitarian work, where do they go?

CZ: They can consult my website www.chebyazid.com and I can be contacted through that site as well.


JL: We have reached the end. I wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors. Last words go to you.

CZ: Thank you very Jamal for having me. Let me point out that as an artist I greatly appreciate the role the media plays. It is an important link between an artist and his fans and the public in general. That is all an artist has and that is all he needs. Fans to support by attending concerts and buying records, and the media by being a link in between. I hope I can always live up to expectations. Thank you again Jamal, much appreciated.

Royal Speech: Two Birds with One Stone

Morocco's King Mohammad 6th gave a speech to the nation today, giving a twofold news with domestic and regional repercussions: regionalizing the kingdom and establishing the autonomy in the southern provinces, internationally known as the Western Sahara.

Regionalization:
Finally, the king ordered an advisory committee to brainstorm and come up with a formula for enhancing a regional administrative system in Morocco while bearing in mind that the monarch rightfully does not want "xerox copies" of other existing systems. Moroccans must have immediately thought of Spain when they heard the king say that.
While this looks promising as an idea, many questions will emerge as to what extent citizens are asked or allowed to be active in this new governance scheme? Will all the regional entities be under the mercy of the powerful Interior Ministry? Will these entities be financially independent? How will citizens familiarize themselves with their rights and duties in the new system? So many questions that will often play on the political and social scene in Morocco in the next few months. The political parties, too, will have to adjust their game to gain some advances in this new electoral territory. Whatever happens, the new setup will shift the weight of responsibility to the citizenry and their representatives and will certainly rev up the dormant political life in the Cherifian kingdom. This is by all measures a very positive step towards entrenching the democratic experience in Morocco.

The Autonomy:
As far as the autonomy of the Saharan provinces is concerned, the speech today will definitely send a ripple effect through the region and across the Mediterranean to Spain. The Algerian leaders, the Spaniards, the Polisario in Tindouf , and the Sahrawis were all watching and listening to what King Mohammad 6 ould say about the subject. It took only few minutes and a couple of paragraphs before he mentioned "our regained Saharawi provinces."
Six months to June seems to be an unspoken deadline given by the monarch to the separatists to figure out ways to join the caravan of the autonomy. It will be interesting to see how the Polisario will react. They have always rejected the autonomy plan, but everyone knows their rejection is nothing but a bargaining chip to ask for more concessions from the Moroccans. Yet, it will not prevent some schism inside the Polisario regarding the issue. Many of the founders of Polisario are in their 60s and 70s and are tired of living in the camps, despite all the perks that come with it. Some of them are very likely to be more flexible than others to take the Moroccan king up on his offer. In addition to that, there is the Shahid movement that embraces new perspective and are more willing to negotiate the authonomy plan. What makes the Moroccans' position strong at this stage is that they argue that "we will go ahead with the autonomy plan. You are more than welcome to get on board with us and life is beautiful." Saaddin Othmani, former head of the Islamist party PJD, had said something along that line when he came to Washington, D.C and met with American officials and a group of Moroccan Americans. The same words were repeated today by his successor Abdelilah Benkiran during an interview with the State-owned Al-Oula TV network.

Which is the speech's most important subject, autonomy or regionalization? It's hard to tell. They sounded too similar, intertwined, and separate, all at the same time.
Regardless, this comes as the first official mention of the autonomy.

The Plight of Moroccan TV

This past Ramadan Moroccan viewers inside the kingdom and abroad were fuming over the mediocre Moroccan drama series and comedies that crowded their TV screens around Iftar time, the time of breaking the fast. Iftar time is equivalent to American Super Bowl spread out over thirty days in terms of peaking TV viewership and ad revenues. Moroccan Facebookers created several groups to protest against 2M TV and Al-Oula TV, both state-run TV channels. Moroccan press, too, lashed out at the two channels, and Rachid Jadir, a young underground cartoon artist, came up with a short, but quite funny, video clip --which made the rounds on Facebook-- mocking the Moroccan TV mockery. Al-Jazeera TV also chipped in and discussed the issue on its daily Maghreb special edition for about 30 minutes.

Experts claimed several factors that contribute to the poor quality of TV programming:

1. Political: Few months ago, the Audio-visual watchdog in Morocco, HACA, canceled a invitation for proposal to the private sector for 2 TV projects and 3 radio stations permits. It was canceled at the last minute, citing the difficult market conditions caused by the global financial meltdown, which might, they argued, depress an already suffering TV ads market. But some observers said it highlighted the authorities reluctance to allow privately-owned networks to operate. This kind of TV channels will need to attract viewers to survive, which might lead them to discuss taboo topics in Morocco, particularly in a country with high illiteracy rate, and where citizens hardly read to know what is going on in the country. That is more headaches for the authorities, which have been butting heads with the Moroccan printed press lately. This, observers argue, creates, or rather, maintains an audiovisual environment monopolized by two state-owned TV networks.
2. Advertisers: Advertisers are rumored to have a major say on what shows the two channels should air. From the dozens of proposals for shows and series, the advertisers prefer to conservatively pick the familiar faces in the Moroccan comedy scene as a safe bet. The underfunded SNRTs two outlets have no choice but to say yes to advertisers so that they can balance their budgets with high premiums they charge for the much prized Iftar peak time. Projects proposed by young and unfamiliar artists get the boot and the Moroccan audience never gets to discover new talents, leading to very uncompetitive and incompetent products by the same old faces.
3. Nepotism and corruption: Those same old faces have now accumulated fortunes thanks to their exclusive contracts obtained through shady and murky contacts. Actors and producers like Said Naciri, for example, appear every year on 2M TV and fail miserably to put not even a smile on the viewers' faces, let alone laughter. Inflated contracts charges end up in the pockets of the "artists" and TV artistic evaluation teams. Of course, the two networks, run by bureaucrats, will never reform themselves as feedback, instructions, and orders go one-way street, from top to bottom.
   

Backfire:
Things have changed this year. With tools like Facebook, the Moroccan blogosphere and Twitter, feedback to Ramadan programming was immediate, and negative. The press and the advertisers themselves, for the first time in the history of Moroccan media enviornment, were able to measure the viewers' temperature. Newspapers bombarded the two networks with a daily barrage of criticism. And the advertisers, 10 days into Ramadan, pulled most of their advertising. Viewers of course had no shortage of alternative shows and networks to follow, as they zapped to Egyptian, Saudi, and Lebanese networks for Syrian and Egyptian drama. Quite anecdotal was the fact that many disappointed viewers turned to Hizballah's Al-Manar TV to watch a of a drama series that was said to be of higher quality than what the Moroccan networks aired. Too much for a regime that declared war on Shiism in Morocco few months ago.

Modern Ramadan

I was approached by an English Pakistani medical student in our Library and asked if I were to join her and some Muslim Fellows for Friday prayers. I quickly agreed and without any hesitation. Prayers are keeping the vibrations of my sanity alive this Ramadan, and are a source of relief for my daily over accumulating stress. Not to mention the self-purification we are blessed to experience during this holy month.

Once we were done with Jumuah prayers, I realized that the majority of people in our little mosque were not fasting!! Their excuse was that is so difficult for them to fast in the heat during a long day that requires a lot of attention and fast pace learning. I was simply stunned by their reasoning and shocked to an unbelievable point. I couldn’t help it but ask myself: Isn’t Ramadan one of the pillars of Islam? Is there some justified non-fasting during Ramadan other than sickness? May God forgive me; I allowed myself to google the subject online, naively thinking, that there might be some justified excuses for not fasting besides Illness. Perhaps some unique mental hardship these medical students are using?!

My only Moroccan American colleague was praising me one day for my strength to hold on my fasting while working with cadavers and undergoing a long hectic day of attending lectures and studying without fainting. At first, I seriously thought it was an innocent compliment made to accentuate the strong belief of a Muslim holding on her religious beliefs in a non-Muslim country by majority, but to my surprise, and while we were having that conversation she reached to her cup of coffee and started drinking it. Then and only then I realized and understood the reasoning behind her compliment about my fasting: she wasn’t fasting either!

I froze for a second and started contemplating my surrounding. There were so many Muslims in my group who were proud to be part of the Muslim Ummah yet chose to abstain from fasting and for the very same reasons I mentioned earlier. It didn’t take me too long to realize that I was considered a minority Muslim, within the big majority Muslim Community. But what seems a little bizarre though is that the minority, in this case, whole heartily abides by the pillars of Islam unlike the big community.

Although I moved to the US at a young age, Ramadan was and still holds a special love in my heart. It’s very refreshing to close my eyes, and recall my memories of Ramadan in Morocco. The spirit of people and the warmth welcome of a special month many of us await impatiently, and how it brings most of our family members, friends and neighbors together. The constant recitations of Quran, the Taraweeh prayers, the closeness we get to Allah are simply priceless. There are no perfect words that can express those feelings I have once felt and moments I have enjoyed living in a country, where majority of its citizens practice the same religion.

Upon my migration to the states, I didn’t feel much difference in our Ramadanic Atmosphere. My family carried same traditions and values we were entrenched with in Morocco. Perhaps, the only change I was faced with is having to explain what Ramadan and Islam are all about to classmates and teachers. Years went by, and I found myself away from home for college. Distance and change in environment didn’t alter my faith in Islam. In fact, I believe it made it stronger than ever before. It made me appreciate and value my religion and the union of my family during the beautiful holy month of Ramadan. Moreover, it was during Ramadan that I expanded the network of my friendship with Muslims from all over the world in and out school, with whom I had Iftars, and prayers on a regular basis.

So after a deep pondering, I came to the conclusion that Ramadan is still special in my heart regardless of my location and surrounding. Close or far away from my family, I strive hard to carry the same values and practice of religion I grew up practicing. I feel so sad for those who excuse themselves from fasting it and missing on the unique experience of feeling the holiness of Ramadan.

I can’t help it but ask myself, where is our Muslim, young, educated professional generation is heading to with their Islamic arbitrary excuses they make as they go in their lives? How can we, Muslims, pick and choose from the most important 5 pillars of Islam what better suits our lifestyle, and completely disregard what some of us might consider as a hardship?

Lamiaa

Seeking Faith and Jasmine

It was one pleasant summer afternoon at a café by the beach in Casablanca, Morocco. I was sitting with a girl who has committed her life, heart, and soul to loving me but I did not reciprocate those same feelings at the time. I will call her Faith. Faith is someone many dream of but I was content appreciating and respecting her. I recall how she looked at me; a sad look that said “I am madly in love with you, why don’t you love me back?” Aware of that, and not willing to send Faith any wrong signal, I was very careful not to behave in any way that may give her the wrong impression. As we talked and chatted, I could see that sadness in her eyes that for some reason pierced through my heart and remains engraved in my memory until today.

A little girl, 12 years old of age or so, walked by. She was selling roses that she carried in a basket. I will call her Jasmine. Jasmine walked by couples offering the man to buy a flower for the object of his affection, bringing them closer together in return for a mere 25 cents that she could use to help her family. Ah! The power of the simple things in life.

Usually, I would buy one and pay much more than the asking price for it. Jasmine made her way through the tables proposing roses without persistence. As soon as she was told no, she quietly moved on to the next. It was our turn; she walked up to me and said: “Buy her a rose”.

I replied “We are ok; thank you.”

Until today, I am very surprise at my reaction whenever I think about it; Very unlike me. Even if I did not want to buy a rose, I know I would normally give some money but I was too consumed with not sending the wrong message to Faith.

I shiver now when I think of what was going on Faith’s mind. How desperately did she want a rose? Could I ever realize that? I realize now that she sure deserves more than a rose; she deserves the Garden of Eden.

Expecting Jasmine to walk away as she did with every couple she approached, she proceeded by telling me: “If you love her, you would buy her a rose; love is not just talk!”

Caught completely by surprise, not expecting that, and feeling put on the spot, I replied by raising my voice ever so slightly:

“Are you trying to start an argument or something? I said no thanks!”

Jasmine walked away and how I wish I had not let her!! As for Faith, she just watched quietly and how I wish she had said something. I pondered why Jasmine did not walk away just like she did with every other table. Was there something different about us?

Some time has gone by now. Whenever this scene plays back in my head, my heart skips a beat and I sweat. How could I have broken two innocent hearts who had offered me nothing but love especially Faith’s? A simple and effortless gesture from my part would have made both there days!

What lessons can be drawn from this?! What I dream of and long for is to marry Faith and we adopt Jasmine.

If you ever come across Jasmine, please let me know! As for Faith, it is up to faith!

Jamal Laoudi Copyright (c)2009

President Obama Tests King Mohamed VI

American President Barack Obama sent a letter to King of Morocco Mohamed VI urging him to be the “leader” in establishing Arab-Israeli peace and to “bridge gaps between Israel and the Arab world.” While this sounds constructive and positive, a scrutiny of the details reveals holes. The “bridge gaps” request is for Morocco to take steps for more normalized relations with Israel in hope that other Arab nations follow suit, or as the President put it “convince the parties to engage constructively.” In return, Israel would order a temporary freeze of all settlement-construction in the West Bank. Many in the Arab world are arguing that Israel can and must do better than just freezing settlement-construction as it is simply not enough.

Israel is looking to enhance its bilateral relations with many Arab nations. Face value, this proposition appears quite encouraging but the sticking point is that the Arab world dismisses Israel’s offer as not serious. The enhancements Israel is seeking include “opening of trade offices, direct economic links, public cultural and educational ties, and overfly rights for Israeli airlines;” Furthermore, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that “the United States is seeking to encourage Morocco and the Persian Gulf states to allow Israel to open diplomatic offices in their territory, and to send their own diplomatic delegations to Israel.

”
What is Israel bringing to the table? A three-month freeze of settlements in the West Bank. Arab countries have long been offering Israel full relations, diplomatic and otherwise, if it withdraws from territories it occupies, and if the two parties come to an agreement about the refugee question.

The Palestinian camp is already crying foul. The Palestinian authority said that "Israel is trying to open up to the Arab world 'at the expense' of the Palestinians by using hollow initiatives." It went further and argued that Israel is looking to run away from its obligations vis-à-vis stopping settlement construction.

Morocco has much to offer as an honest broker to resolve Arab-Israeli conflict.If it heeds President Obama’s call unilaterally, it would come under much criticism, some heavy justifiably. Arab countries would be best served addressing this issue as a united front as opposed to fragmented pieces. Peace is desperately needed and the usual ways and means of addressing this conflict have bore very little fruit if any. It is high time a permanent peaceful solution was found.

Jamal Laoudi Copyright© 2009