Who Is Cheb Houssem?

Cheb Houssem is an Algerian singer and dancer who made a name for himself in the Arab music scene with his unique blend of traditional and contemporary beats. At just 32 years old, he has already released two albums, ""Khatri"" (2015) and ""Men Ghir Ntiya"" (2018), which have made him one of the most popular musical acts in Algeria.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Houssem Ben Romdhane was born in Algiers, Algeria on April 22, 1988. He developed a love for music at a young age, taking up traditional Algerian instruments like the bendir, darbuka, and derbouka. He also began singing at an early age, joining local choirs and taking part in competitions.

Breakthrough Success

In 2015, Cheb Houssem released his first album ""Khatri"", which quickly became a hit in Algeria and across the Arab world. The album featured a mix of traditional and modern sounds, as well as collaborations with other popular Algerian artists such as Hachemi Guerouabi, Reda Taliani, and Samir Sadaoui. His second album ""Men Ghir Ntiya"" was released in 2018 to further critical acclaim.

Live Performances

Cheb Houssem is known for his energetic live performances that bring together traditional Algerian music and modern dance. He often travels to Europe to perform at festivals and has been featured at some of the biggest music events in the region. In 2019, he performed at the Mawazine Festival in Rabat, Morocco, where he drew a massive crowd of more than 80,000 people.

Awards & Accolades

Cheb Houssem has won several awards for his music, including Best Newcomer at the 2014 Algiers Music Awards and Best Album at the 2016 Oran Music Awards. His songs have also been featured on various international compilations, including the BBC Music World Cup 2018 compilation.