ReviewsJun 20, 2014

Bad Baadia - Mama (Self-published)

The fact North African genres like chaabi and raï are rhythmical cousins of reggae was already proven by Hakim 'Bouchkour' Meridja, singer with French band Dub Incorporation, and Jimmy Oihid. Around the turn of the century Tabou 1 producer Guillaume Bougard even put out the compilation 'Big Men: Raï Meets Reggae' for which he made big names from both genres work together.

With Bad Baadia, a singer born in Guercif in northern Morocco but now living in France, there's now also a female exponent. On her debut effort 'Mama', with just seven songs in the track list rather reminiscent of an EP rather than a full album and for which she collaborated with bassist/guitarist Veron 'Aka Koxx' Dinnal and keyboardist Rudi Bennett, she effortlessly alternates between Arabic and French and invites us into her world where Jamaica, France and Morocco effortlessly blend together.

About the Author

Jah Rebel

Together with Jah Shakespear, one of the founders of Reggae.be, he first started as a critic and a reporter before in the end of 2014 becoming editor in chief. Divides his time between his two passions: music and Haile Selassie.

Genres

ReggaeNew Roots

Published

Jun 20, 2014

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