About Music - Faudel

Faudel (born Faudel Belloua on June 6, 1978 in Mantes-la-Jolie) is a French singer of Algerian descent, considered the “Prince of Raï”. He grew up in the suburbs of Paris, where he picked up his musical talents from his grandmother who taught him traditional Algerian music. His father, who was born in Chlef (Algeria) worked on the production line at the Renault car factory while his mother, who was also born in Algeria (in the village of Hennaya) worked as a cleaner. Faudel grew up in a highly musical environment at home. His seven brothers, all of them musicians, introduced him to soul and reggae at an early age, while his parents stocked the house with Rai cassettes.

He proved to be a quick and enthusiastic learner and, by the age of 12, the talented youngster had already formed his own group, “Les Etoiles du Rai” (The Rai Stars). Faudel and “Les Etoiles du Rai” soon became a well-known fixture at the youth club and other local associations in Mantes-la-Jolie. Faudel then went on to appear at clubs throughout the Paris suburbs, performing covers of Khaled, Zahouania and Mami’s greatest hits, accompanied by a pre-recorded backing tape.

His first public singing experience was during a family wedding celebration in Oran, Algeria. Faudel started to cover the popular tracks by Cheb Khaled and Cheb Mami at 12, after which he soon fronted the popular band “Les Etoiles du Raï” and then went on to appear at clubs throughout the Paris suburbs, performing covers of Khaled, Zahouania and Mami’s greatest hits, accompanied by a pre-recorded backing tape.

The turning-point of Faudel’s early career came at the age of 13 when he was spotted by Mohamed Mestar (aka Momo). Mestar, an ex-guitarist, had recently set up an association in the suburbs to promote up-and-coming local artists and, after catching one of Faudel’s concerts, he offered to take charge of the young Rai singer’s career. Thanks to Momo’s guiding hand, Faudel soon built up his own repertoire and began performing as a support act with a number of top French music stars (including MC Solaar, Idir, Jimmy Oihid and Rai mega-star Khaled). Faudel went on to study accountancy and metallurgy, but his passion for Rai soon led to him taking up a professional singing career.

After signing a contract with Mercury to produce five albums over the next few years, Faudel decided to quit school (thereby realizing his childhood dream of earning his own salary by the age of 18!) His debut album, Baida, catapulted him to fame. He has also performed with Khaled and Rachid Taha on the live album 1,2,3 Soleils. His other albums include Samra and his album Un Autre Soleil (released Sept. 2003) and, most recently, Mundial Corrida (2006). He also has acted in a few roles, including Happenstance (Le Battement d’ailes du papillon) with Audrey Tautou. Find out more at his website: http://faudel.artistes.universalmuisc.fr