Khaled

• Venue: Newtownsmith Main Stage
• Saturday
  18:00 - 19:30 | Free
• Music Events

International icon, world music superstar, UN Goodwill Ambassador and charismatic King of Raï, Khaled makes his first Irish appearance at the 10th dlr Festival of World Cultures.

Raï, the traditional folk music of the Bedouin people, mixes Spanish, French, African and Arabic musical forms as a means of voicing sometimes controversial socially progressive themes, such as equality for women and freedom of expression. As Khaled says, “we break taboos.” Raï however is not only a vehicle for politics; it is a sharing, a celebration of friendship, family and joy, attributes that define Oran, the capital of modern Raï and the King of Raï himself.

Born in Oran, Algeria, but living in France, Khaled is known throughout Europe for his classic singles Didi and Aicha – France’s biggest hit of the year. With a catalogue of film soundtracks including The Fifth Element, Khaled’s albums sales have reached a staggering 46 million.

Incorporating funk, jazz, electronica and reggae, and with a highly energetic stage persona, audiences have been known to respond to Khaled as 1950s teenagers did to Elvis. Not surprising for a performer that BBC3 said is “a phenomenon, and one of the few artists working in the region we call world music that can wear the title ‘superstar’.”

This concert is a very rare opportunity to witness not just a stunning multi-instrumentalist and singer at the height of his prowess, but an emblem of our time and culture in a stellar performance that will flame across the festival sky.

“One of the great singers in the world today, at the height of his powers” The Observer

“Momentous. North Africa has no bigger star than Khaled… instantly recognisable across the Arab world” The Independent

“Still irresistible after 17 years” The Times