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Khaled (musician) facts for kids

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Khaled
Cheb Khaled performing in Oran in July 2011
Khaled performing in 2011
Background information
Native name
خالد
Birth name Khaled Hadj Ibrahim
(خالد حاج إبراهيم)
Also known as King of Raï
Cheb Khaled
The Ambassador of Arab music
Born (1960-02-29) 29 February 1960 (age 65)
Oran, French Algeria
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Musician
  • singer-songwriter
Instruments
Years active 1974–present
Labels Universal

Khaled Hadj Ibrahim (born February 29, 1960), known simply as Khaled, is an Algerian singer, musician, and songwriter. He is famous for his unique style of raï music. When he started recording as a teenager, he used the name Cheb Khaled, which means "Young Khaled" in Arabic. "Cheb" is a common title for young male raï singers.

Khaled is considered one of the most important musicians in the history of Raï music in Algeria. He is also one of the most famous Arab singers worldwide. He has sold over 80.5 million albums globally. This makes him one of the best-selling Arabic-language singers ever. Some of his most well-known songs include "Aïcha", "Didi", and "C'est la vie".

He holds a Guinness World Record for being the best-selling artist of raï music.

Early Life

Khaled was born on February 29, 1960, in the city of Oran, which was then part of Algeria.

Musical Journey

Khaled became famous in Algeria thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel Hosni Snoussi. Snoussi was in charge of a state arts office. He helped Khaled and other raï stars perform at a big festival in Algiers in July 1985. In the same year, Khaled was named the "King of Raï" at the first official raï festival in Oran.

Khaled a la Coupole 2014 Algerie o
Khaled performing in Algiers in 2014

Hosni Snoussi and Martin Meissonnier helped bring raï music from Algeria to France. They organized the first raï festival in France in 1986. Khaled performed there after Snoussi helped him get a passport. Soon after, Khaled recorded his album Kutché in France in 1988. This album was a collaboration with Algerian jazz musician Safy Boutella. It helped Khaled become even more famous in France, where he later moved.

In 1992, he stopped using "Cheb" in his name. He released the album Khaled, produced by Don Was. The first song from this album, "Didi", became a huge hit. It was popular in Europe, the Arab world, and parts of Asia. This song made him an international superstar.

Global Influence

Khaled is known as a pioneer of world music. He has crossed many borders with his music. He mixes traditional Algerian music with Western styles like soul, rock, and reggae. This creates his unique sound. He is celebrated for his music and for connecting different cultures. He has sold over 80 million copies worldwide. This makes him an unofficial ambassador for Arab music.

His famous song "Didi" from 1993 became very popular. It topped music charts in France, Belgium, and Spain. It was also used in Bollywood films like Shreeman Aashiq and Airlift. Khaled even appeared on The Tonight Show in 1993.

In December 2004, Khaled performed at the Grammy Jam in Los Angeles. He honored the band Earth, Wind & Fire by mixing their song "Brazilian Rhymes" with his hit "Didi." This showed how his North African style could blend with other music.

In 2012, Khaled's album C’est la vie sold over one million copies in Europe. It sold 1.8 million copies in the Middle East and North Africa. Worldwide, it sold over 4 million copies. The album reached number 5 on the French Albums Chart.

In 2015, there was a legal case about "Didi." Khaled was accused of copying the song. However, in 2016, a court cleared him of the charges. An older recording of the song by Khaled from 1982 was shown. This proved he had recorded it before the other artist.

Personal Life

KHALED
Khaled performing in Marseille in 2009

On January 12, 1995, Khaled married Samira Diabi. They have four daughters and one son together.

In 1998, a book about his life was published. It was called Khaled: Derrière le sourire, which means "Khaled: Behind the Smile" in French.

Khaled was given Moroccan citizenship in August 2013. He said he did not ask for it but accepted it.

Music Albums

This list does not include some early albums released on cassette in Algeria.

Studio Albums

Year Album Charts Certification
BEL
(Fl)
BEL
(Wa)
FRA
NED SWI
1988 Kutché (with Safy Boutella)
1992 Khaled
1993 N'ssi N'ssi
1996 Sahra 24 7 3 33 26
1999 Kenza 49 57
2004 Ya-Rayi 41 52 70
2009 Liberté 95 51
2012 C'est la vie 27 18 96
2022 Cheb Khaled
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released

Live Albums

Solo
Year Album Charts Certification
BEL
(Fl)
BEL
(Wa)
FRA
1998 Hafla 28 29
Collaborations
Year Album Charts Certification
BEL
(Fl)
BEL
(Wa)
FRA
1999 1, 2, 3 Soleils
(credited to Taha / Khaled / Faudel)
14 4

Compilation Albums

  • 1991: Le Meilleur de Cheb Khaled
  • 1994: Le Meilleur de Cheb Khaled 2
  • 2005: Forever King
  • 2005: Spirit of Rai
  • 2006: Maghreb Soul – Cheb Khaled Story 1986–1990
  • 2007: Best of Khaled
  • 2009: Rebel of Raï – The Early Years

Singles

Year Single Peak chart positions Album
AUT BEL
(Fl)
BEL
(Wa)
FRA
GER NED SWE
SWI
1988 "Chebba" / "Baroud"
(Cheb Khaled & Safy Boutella)
Kutché
"Le Camel"
(Cheb Khaled & Safy Boutella)
1992 "Didi" 9 29 30 Khaled
"Ne m'en voulez pas"
"Mauvais sang"
1993 "Serbi Serbi" 50 N'ssi N'ssi
"Chebba"
1994 "N'ssi N'ssi"
1995 "Bakhta"
1996 "Aïcha" 25 1 1 33 14 11 Sahra
1997 "Ouelli El Darek" 23
"La poupée qui fait non (live)"
(Mylène Farmer & Khaled)
5 6 Mylène Farmer's album
Live à Bercy
"Le jour viendra" 12 24 Sahra
"Lillah"
1998 "Abdel Kader (Live à Bercy)"
(Taha / Khaled / Faudel)
36 6 Joint album 1,2,3 Soleils
by Taha / Khaled / Faudel
Original by Khaled alone
in his album N'ssi N'ssi
1999 "Comme d'habitude"
(Taha / Khaled / Faudel)
40 40 Joint album 1,2,3 Soleils
by Taha / Khaled / Faudel
"C'est la nuit" 35 29 Kenza
2000 "El harba wine"
(feat. Amar)
20
"Les ennemis (el Aâdyene)"
(Khaled vs. Fonky Family)
63 Single only
2001 "Wana wana" 97
2004 "Ya-Rayi" Ya-Rayi
"Love to The People"

(ft Carlos Santana)

"Zine Zina"
2007 "La terre a tremblé" Best of Khaled
2009 "Même pas fatigué !!!"
(Magic System & Khaled)
10 1 49 Non-album release
"Papa"
(cover of Blaoui Houari)
Liberté
2012 "C'est la vie" 5 5 4 92 34 33 C'est la vie
"Hiya hiya"
(feat. Pitbull)
"Dima Labess"
(featuring Mazagan)
2016 "Wahda Be Wahda" TBA
2018 "Mirage"
(featuring Soolking)
74 Fruit du démon
2019 "Maghreb Gang"
(featuring French Montana, Farid Bang)
7 4 6 Non-album release
2020 "Delali"
(featuring Gashi)
Non-album release
"Elle s'appelle Beyrouth"
(featuring Rodge)
Non-album release

Featured In

(charting hits only)

Year Single Charts Album
BEL
(Fl)
BEL
(Wa)
FRA NED SWI
2006 "Henna"
(Cameron Cartio feat. Khaled)
86 9 Cameron Cartio's album
Borderless

Other Song Appearances

Year Song Main artist Album
1990 "Be Not Afraid" The Blow Monkeys Springtime for the World
1992 "Amdyaz" Hector Zazou Sahara Blue
1995 "Revolution, Revolutions"
"ElDorado" (UNESCO official anthem)
Jean Michel Jarre Concert Pour La Tolerance
"Didi" (with Johnny Clegg) Various Artists Duos Taratata
"Kebou"
"N'ssi N'ssi"
"Chebba"
Various Artists Going Global Series Voila
"Numb (Gimme Some More Dignity mix)" U2 Melon: Remixes for Propaganda
1997 "La poupée qui fait non" Mylène Farmer Live à Bercy
"Chanson du herisson" Various Artists Emilie Jolie
"Koubou Koubou" Various Artists The Rough Guide to the Music of North Africa
"Mâardi" Various Artists Sol En Si (Solidarité Enfants Sida)
1998 "Ensemble (Understand)"
"Crimes"
Alan Stivell 1 Douar
"Oasis de los Dioses" Ketama Konfusion
1999 "Bladi" Freeman (feat.
K-Rhyme Le Roi & Khaled)
L'palais de justice
"¡Oh Madre!" Tekameli Ida y Vuelta
"Alby" Amr Diab Amarain
2000 "L'aziza" Various Artists Balavoine Hommages ...
"Time for a Change" Various Artists
(The Rapsody feat. MC Lyte
& DaNaCeE & Khaled)
The Rapsody
"Emmenez-moi" Les Enfoirés XXème siècle
"Le rêve de mon père" Kertra Labyrinthe
2001 "Aich Rebel Sun" Various Artists Big Men, Raï Meets Reggae
2002 Ojos de la Alhambra
(Eyes of the Alhamra)
Vincente Amigo Ciudad de los Ideas
(City of Ideas)
"Saludo A Chango" Compay Segundo Duets
2004 "Agir Réagir" Various Artists Agir Réagir
"Retour aux sources" Kore & Skalp Raï'N'B Fever
"L'enfant du pays" Rim'K L'enfant du pays
"Dance with me" Enzo Avitabile & Bottari Save the World
2005 "Henna" Cameron Cartio Borderless
2006 "Mas and Louly" Diana Haddad Diana 2006
"Face à la mer"
(recorded in 1992)
Les Négresses Vertes À l'affiche (Best of),
"El Marsem" Enrique Morente Morente sueña la Alhambra (DVD)
2007 "Benthi" Mélissa Taxi 4
"Bilovengo"
"Erjaii ya alf leila"
Bratsch Plein du monde
"Salamo Alaykom" Andy, Hakim Airport
2010 "Citizens of the World" Flying Machines, King Sunny Adé,
Kailash Kher, Cheng Lin
Citizens of the World
2012 "Mazal Wakfin" Warda Al-Jazairia, Baaziz single
"L'Oriental" Enrico Macias Venez tous mes amis!
2013 "El Baraka" Rim'K, Cheba Zahouania Non-album single
"Larosa" Medina Sista Minuten
2014 "Shage3 7elmak-World cup 2014 Nancy Ajram Non-album single
2018 "We Enta Maaya" Tamer Hosny Eish Besho'ak
"Mirage" Soolking Fruit du démon
2019 "Salama So Good" Andy Non-album single
2019 "Maghreb Gang" Farid Bang, French Montana Non-album single

Soundtracks

Year Soundtrack song Film
1993 "Ragda"
"Mauvais Sang"
"Kebou"
"Les ailes"
"Alech Taadi"
"Bakhta"
1,2,3 Soleils
(French: Un, deux, trois, soleil)
"Didi" Caro diario
1995 "Didi" L' Âge des possibles
"Didi" Highway (1995)
"Les Ailes" Party Girl
1997 "Wahrane Wahrane"
"Cameleons" (with Cheb Mami)
100% Arabica
"Alech taadi" The Fifth Element
(featured in film, but not released on soundtrack album)
1999 "El Arbi" Vila Madalena soap opera
2000 "Wana wana aamel eih"
"Dour biha ya chibani"
Origine contrôlée
2002 "Ragda" The Truth About Charlie
"Minuit" The Good Thief
2004 De l'autre côté
2006 "Ya Dzayer"
"Mort de Messaoud"
"Nostalgie"
"Sur la tombe"
"El Babour"
Indigènes (Days of Glory)
2007 "Benthi" (feat. Mélissa M) Taxi 4
2011 "Trigue Lycee" Rabat
2012 "Wahran Wahran" The Dictator

Film Appearances

  • 1997 100% Arabica
  • 1997 Le Centre de visionnage
  • 2003 Art'n Acte Production
  • 2004 We Are the Future

Awards and Honors

Khaled has received many awards and honors throughout his career:

  • He was the first Arab singer to win World Music Awards (1992).
  • He holds a Guinness World Record for being the best-selling raï music artist (2000).
  • He was the only Arab singer to perform at the FIFA World Cup ceremony (2010).
  • He is a goodwill ambassador for the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations).
  • He was the only Arab singer to perform at the European Athletics Championships (2006).
  • NPR named him one of the top 50 Voices in the World.
  • He was honored as a "Chevalier des arts et des lettres" (Knight of Arts and Letters).
  • He was the first raï singer to be called "Cheb" in 1974. After him, many other raï singers used "Cheb" or "Cheba" (for females).
  • He is the first and only Arab singer to perform in many countries worldwide. These include the USA, Canada, Japan (1989), and India (1992).
  • He is the only Arab singer to have songs chart in countries like France, Sweden, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovakia.
  • He was the first Arab singer to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and the France Charts.
  • He was the first Arab singer to chart on the European Hot 100 singles (2009).
  • He is the first and only Arab singer to chart in a Latin American country, Brazil, with his song "El Arbi."
  • He is the only Arab musician to win a César Award (1994).
  • He is the only Arab musician to win a Venice Film Festival award (1993).
  • He has performed the most times at L'Olympia in Paris (5 times) among Arab singers.
  • He has sold over 80.5 million albums worldwide.
  • He is considered one of the best-selling Arab singers of all time.

Specific Awards

Award Year Nominee(s) Category Result Ref.
BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music 2004 Himself Middle East and North Africa Nominated
2005 Won
César Awards 1994 1, 2, 3, Sun Best Original Music Won
GQ Awards 2019 Himself Legend Award Won
Kora Awards 1997 Himself Best Male Artist of North Africa Won
2012 Won
NRJ Music Awards 2010 Khaled, Raï'n'B, Magic System Francophone Duo/Group of the Year Nominated
Venice Film Festival 1993 1, 2, 3, Sun Golden Osella for Best Music Won
Victoires de la Musique 1995 Himself Francophone Artist or Group of the Year Won
1997 Nominated
"Aïcha" Original Song of the Year Won
2013 C'est la vie World Music Album of the Year Nominated
World Music Awards 1997 Himself World's Best Selling African Artist of the Year Won
2000 Khaled, Rachid Taha, Faudel World's Best Selling Arabic Act Won
2014 Himself World's Best Selling Algerian Artist Won
World's Best Male Artist Nominated
World's Best Live Act Nominated
World's Best Entertainer Nominated
C'est la vie World's Best Album Nominated
  • 1985: First Prize of Rai Music (KING) Oran
  • 1989: Best Song (chebba) in France
  • 1989: Top 100 Best Album in 20th Century (kutché)
  • 1992: Top 50 MTV America (didi)
  • 1992: MTV India Awards (didi)
  • 2004: Grammy Jam Awards (Khaled and Carlos Santana) ("Love to the people")
  • 2005: Montreal International Jazz Festival (The Antonio Carlos-Jobim Award)
  • 2005: ImagineNations and DC Internationals (Empowering Award, for spreading the message of peace)
  • 2006: The Mediterranean Prize for Creativity
  • 2008: Award Dutch Virsti – German Academy of Music
  • 2009: NME Awards 2009 (meilleur duo) avec Magic System
  • 2009: MGM Awards (highest-selling Arab album in history) (The legendary) (Las Vegas)
  • 2010: Big Apple Music Awards (best Arab artist selling in United States)
  • 2010: One of 50 Great Voices profiled by NPR
  • 2013: Murex D'Or 2013 – Best International Song & Best International Singer – Cheb Khaled – ("C'est La Vie")
  • 2013: Rabab d’or Prix d'honneur – Maroc Festival International Al Ansra de M’diq ("C'est La Vie")
  • 2013: Festival International de la Musique Kabyle à Tanger festival Touiza MAROC 2013 ("C'est La Vie")
  • 2016: XLII Universal Music Award – Vienna 2016 – for "C'est La Vie" as Best Song.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Khaled para niños

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