Souad Massi in Istanbul

Souad Massi is an Algerian singer-songwriter and guitarist born in Algiers in 1972. She writes Arabic folk and pop shaped by rock, country and French chanson, and is known for songs including “Raoui” and “Ghir Enta” and albums such as Raoui, Deb and Mesk Elil. In 1999, she performed at the Femmes d’Algérie festival at Cabaret Sauvage in Paris, an appearance that led to a recording contract and her decision to remain in France. After the release of Raoui, she toured internationally and performed at WOMAD and Glastonbury Festival.