Takalid
Abdelkader from Takalid means “tradition”, comes from Khemis Miliana (Algeria), a few miles away from Wahran, the birth place of RAI. He started to play RAI music in his home country, accompanied by accordion, guitar, drum kit, bass and percussion. An accomplished singer and musician, he led a band Takalid, which performed at many venues and festivals. Now he is based in Greenwich (South East London) and he has been involved in composing music for films and documentaries.
RAI originates from traditional Algerian music (Chaabi, Kabil, and Chawia) and also encompasses Pop, Jazz, Funk, Rock, Reggae, Fusion, and Blues. Based on strong rhythms, it is a very dynamic and danceable music. It has become the most popular music in North Africa and the Arab world; the music of today’s generation. Its popularity has quickly spread to neighbouring countries: Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt and is actually very popular in the Gulf States. Since France has a large Magrebian population, RAI music is now part of the French culture.
The Traditional Instruments
Derbouka
In 1988 Takalid moved to the UK, and in 1994 he formed a second Rai band in London. Takalid’s current outfit is made up of nine musicians from different background using traditional instruments such as Mandole, Hadjoudj & North African percussion combined with European instruments including Brass, Keyboard, Piano, Bass guitar, Viola, Banjo, Cello, Drums and Electric Guitars. They are a charismatic performer, able to enliven any audience with their infectious rhythms and dynamic stage personality.
Takalid has performed for Her Majesty The Queen, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and The Amir Of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al – Thani at South Hook in South Wales. They has also performed on major festivals within the UK, including the Womad main stage, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Trafalgar Square, Albert Hall, The National Theatre Open Air Festival, the Barbican¹s Mediterranean Music Festival & many outdoor events, theatres, clubs, museums & art centres, World Peace Music Awards in Bali & Thassos- Greece, Dubai, Bahrain, TheneNeverEndingSong touring with AllStars.
Takalid Drummers featuring some of the hottest drummers from all around the world. They are full of energy and its great Fun! They performs at festivals and runs workshop around the UK for Schools, Art Centres, Museums, Clubs, Private Parties and other occasions. Takalid drummers are well known for their unique and exciting approach to drums and percussion. They have been working with children and adults over the last 12 years in London, Greenwich and Lewisham. They have performed with Airto Moreira, Hossam Ramzy, Rabah Khalfa, Grand Union Orchestra and the Master Drummers of Africa.
