Biography
Djamel Laroussi is an Algerian singer, composer, songwriter, arranger and guitar player.
Laroussi was born in Algeria, moved to Cologne, Germany, to attend Cologne Academy of Music. In 1997, he released his first album Sapoutaly which he dedicated to his late mother (PolyGram/Polymedia/Sophisticat). In the same year, he founded his group “Djamel Laroussi”.
Laroussi sings in Algerian Arabic, French and Kabyle Berber.
Djamel Laroussi and his band combine both western and North African rhythms based on traditional desert music from the Sahara. Although the emphasis is Algerian, there is a strong understanding of reggae, jazz, hard rock, pop, soul, and funk.
With his show “3 Marabouts,” Djamel Laroussi uses his knowledge of occidental musical language, and opens the door to the realm of his spiritual heritage. He teaches us the secrets of his own roots, while at the same time unveils fascinating aspects of the entire Islamic culture. The marabout (mourâbit in Arabic) figure is a lynchpin for the events; he is a saint, who plays a crucial role in Algeria, and he mainly seeks to win the war against himself, his passions and his weaknesses. The world of the marabouts is not an abstract sphere, but firmly rooted in the present moment and cleaerly has down-to-earth and playful notes.
Djamel Laroussi was born in Algeria, moved to Cologne (Germany) in 1989 to fulfill a dream: to study jazz for guitar, drums, percussions and arrangements at the world-famous Cologne Academy of Music. Djamel dives into Jazz harmony and obtains a degree in Jazz composition. On top of his unbelievable skills on the guitar, Djamel is left-handed and is one of a very small group of people who play with
a right-hand guitar “upside down“ without changing the strings. In the 90's, his music is shaped by his joint gigs with celebrities: he accompanies his countryman Prince of Rai Cheb Mami on world tours. He plays with the famous Jazz cornetist Graham Haynes and the first class guitarist Nelson Veras in Brazil….In 1995, he pays regular visits to Morocco where he assists at the rituals of the Gnawa tribe who teach him also how to play the Goumbri (three strings bass-like instrument). In 1997, release of his first album “Sapoutaly” which he dedicates to his late mother (Polygram/Polymedia/Sophisticat), the same year, he founds his group “Djamel Laroussi”. In 1998, the song “Dgni Ma Coffey” is chosen for the compilation “New African Worldbeat” alongside artists like Youssou N’Dour, Manu Di Bango, Salif Keita…(Polygram). He tours Germany, Switzerland and Argentina with his band. In 1999, he is chosen to represent the African Continent at the “Music Universe-Festival”… The song “Etoile Filante” is chosen for the compilation “Music Universe” (BMG/Tropical), he tours Germany and France.
In late 2000, release of the single “Etoile Filante” in Algeria. In 2001, “Etoile Filante” stays as Nr.1 hit in the Algerian charts for 6 months. Algeria 2002, release of the “Etoile filante” album and in Europe, in 2003, o n the week of its release the album is nominated “CD of the week” by German Radio Station WDR 5…. 2004, release “N’Kodo” single “Laafou” vinyl remix, of the “Live album + DVD” the band tours Sweden, Denmark, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Canada. In 2005, concerts in Malaysia, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Algeria… In 2006, “Kifach hilti” vinyl release. Concerts in Estonia, Luxemburg, Germany, Brazil, Netherlands, Swizerland, Marocco, Denmark…2007, release of “3Marabouts” album, Tours Spain, France, Algeria, Italy, Germany, Marocco. 2008, Spain, Sweden tour, Germany, Netherlands, France, Algeria. Soundtrack for moroccan movie “Number One”.2009, USA, Egypt, Algeria, France, Canada. Production, composing, arranging and recording of the album of one of the raï pioneers Boutaïba (Khaled’s master)…
The Musicians
Smail Benhouhou has a profound love for jazz, he first focused on the study of harmony. He graduated from the Hochschule in Cologne (Germany) with a mention in Harmony and Piano. He also participates in various projects such as music for theater or cinema. He is also co-producer and arranger on 3 of Djamel Laroussi’s albums and Boutaiba’s.
Tarik Gasmi is a self-taught musician. As an oboe player, he attended the conservatory of Algiers. Thereafter his experiences as a musician and singer brought him all around the world from Montmartre to Norway. He joined Djamel Laroussi’s band in 2000.
Aziz Belaouache is a self-taught percussionist, Aziz Belaouache is passionate about rhythms, He regularly leads workshops on karkabous and derboukas. He joined Djamel Laroussi’s band in 2007.
Denis Tchangou – Drums, back vocals. was born in Cameroon and began playing drums there. After the ICM Jazz School of Paris, he has participated in many eclectic projects and plays alongside big names such as Manu Dibango, Ray Lema, Mory Kante, Gino Sintson, Mariam Makeba, Papa Wemba, Coco Mbassy, more.
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