Cheikh Bouras

Cheikh Bouras was born in historic Mazagran near Mostaganem and became one of the most prominent masters of the Dahra traditional Bedouin musical school. He mastered the complex microtonal vocal ornaments of western Algerian song, accompanied by traditional acoustic instruments.

Following Algerian independence in 1962, Bouras was a regular featured artist on national radio, recording dozens of long-form epic ballads celebrating national heroes, agrarian labor, and mystical contemplation. His disciplined interpretation of classical melhoun inspired later Raï pioneers to honor their folkloric roots.