On his way into exile, Labess finds his musical identity—polyphonic, free, lively. Nourished by his Algerian roots and the wide-ranging life journey of artist Nedjim Bouizzoul. Labess is a journey that begins in Algiers, in the popular neighborhood of Hussein-Dey. That is where the musician grows up, cradled by the traditional chaâbi of the “big brothers” of the music scene.
At the age of 18, he emigrated to Quebec with his mother and sisters. He played on the streets to earn his keep. The journey continues—to Colombia, where he lives for two years, and later to Europe. His music is open to the world: African rhythms, gypsy rumba, flamenco. Chaâbi remains ever-present, as does the question “Who am I?”, to which Nedjim replies: “A little bit of every country I travel through, a little bit of every musician I meet.”
The self-taught musician sees himself as a street musician – and still does today. After twenty years, five albums and performances on international stages, this attitude remains palpable. His current album Dima Libre (2024), “forever free”, is a passionate commitment to freedom, resistance and joie de vivre. (Press release)

An event organised by Salam Music