Souad Massi. My all time absolute favorite. I still remember buying my first Souad Massi CD at Border’s Books and Music, taking it home and listening to Ya Kelbi on repeat for weeks. The song and Souad’s voice is so entrancing, she really transports you somewhere else.
Born in Algeria, Souad was in a political rock band there that began getting death threats so she left the country. Now living in Paris, she sings in multiple languages and her musical styles are just as varied. She’s amazing.
Musical Passport 