Freh Khodja – Ken Andi Habib LP

Description

Wewantsounds continues its Algerian music reissue program with the release ofFreh Khodja‘s sought-after 1975 LP,Ken Andi Habib. Recorded in Paris withLes Flammes, a group of immigrant musicians, the album is now reissued for the first time. Selected by Paris-based DJCheb Gero, who recently compiled theSweet Rebels Raiset and curated theAbranisLP release for Wewantsounds,Ken Andi Habibis a masterful blend of Arabic music, jazz, Carribean/Latin grooves and funk. Featuring original artwork, audio remastered by Colorsound Studio, and a two-page insert with new liner notes (French/English) by Algerian journalistRabah Mezouane. Originally released in 1975,Ken Andi Habibis an important document of North African music recorded during the 1970s. Born in 1949 in Sidi Bel Abbs, Algeria, Khodja developed an early passion for music, studying saxophone and theory before moving to Paris in 1968 to continue his training at the cole Normale de Musique. Alongside his musical education, he experienced the difficult reality of immigrant life in France. In Paris, Khodja became a member of Les Flammes, a group composed largely of musicians from the African diaspora, particularly Cape Verde. With Les Flammes providing the musical backing and the vocal groupEl Salemhandling background vocals, Khodja recordedKen Andi Habibin 1975, in a Parisian studio. The album blends North African melodies with jazz, funk, and Caribbean influences, reflecting the diverse musical environment of the city at the time. Released by the Algerian label La Voix Du Globe,Ken Andi Habibwas distributed mainly within North African immigrant communities in France and Algeria. While it received limited attention at the time of its release, it later became highly regarded among collectors and DJs interested in rare Arabic grooves and North African recordings. The album stands out for its synthesis of Arabic music with contemporary styles without losing its distinct identity. Rabah Mezouane places Khodja’s work within the wider context of musical innovation by North African artists in France during the 1970s.