Kenza cover

Kenza

Khaled · 1999

74 min · 14 tracks · jazz · raï

A vibrant fusion of traditional raï with contemporary pop, featuring infectious rhythms and passionate vocals.

Why this album works

Kenza received significant acclaim upon its release, contributing to Khaled's reputation as the 'King of Raï.' The album included hits like 'Aalach Tloumouni' which became staples in the raï genre, helping to further popularize Algerian music on a global scale. Its commercial success also marked Khaled's ascent into mainstream music markets outside of Algeria, influencing many artists within the world music movement.
Best for
infectious rhythms for dancing steady flow for social gatherings passionate vocals evoke strong emotions
Context
Kenza is Khaled's fourth studio album, released in 1999 after his international breakthrough with the album 'N'Ssi N'Ssi' in 1992. At this point, Khaled was solidifying his status as a leading figure in the world music scene, blending Algerian raï with global influences. The album showcases his continued evolution as an artist following his successful collaborations and growing popularity in Europe and beyond.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Aalach Tloumouni Standout 5:03
  • 2 El Harba Wine Standout 4:34
  • 3 C'est la nuit Standout 4:09
  • 4 Trigue lycée 4:45
  • 5 E'Dir E'sseba 5:49
  • 6 Ya Aachkou 3:56
  • 7 Melha 6:07
  • 8 Raba-Raba 5:39
  • 9 El Bab 5:27
  • 10 El Aadyene 5:37
  • 11 Goulalah-Dji 5:39
  • 12 Mele H'Bibti 6:29
  • 13 Derwiche Tourneur 6:00
  • 14 Chebba (Man City remix) 5:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata