Souad Massi - Mesk Elil

(Wrasse Records)

Born in Algeria, award-winning singer/songwriter, Souad Massi left her war-torn country six years ago, with her guitar under her arm, for France. Mixing traditional rock, folk, classical and flamenco - the base ingredients of North Africa's Rai rhythms, she has since built an impressive career with her first two albums 'Roui' (The Storyteller) in 2000 and 'Deb' (Heartbroken) in 2003 breaking record sales. Her new album 'Mesk Elil' (Honeysuckle) was released in October and reflects, through melodic ballads and intense lyrics, Massi's concerns for her native Algeria. The album features Salif Keita's guitarist Djely Moussa Kouyate and a stunning duet with Daby Toure.

Reviewer : Shaheera Asante

I Won't Forget My Roots (clip)