Throughout its « Summerworld music » series, from July 8 to July 18, the Small World Music Society presents a unique evening featuring singer Rachid Taha, who will be accompanied by DJ medicineman.

Rachid Taha is a French-Algerian singer and musician who lives in France. His protest lyrics against racism and discrimination, as well as his music (inspired by various styles such as raï, chaabi, techno, rock ‘n’ roll and punk) make him a unique and mix-styled artist. His 2008 BBC World Music award and recent cover of The Clash’s "Rock El Casbah" have kept this boundarybreaking icon at the forefront of the scene.

Born in 1958 in Oran, Algeria, Rachid arrives in France at the age of 10 and sets up with his family in the North-eastern part of France. In 1981 in Lyon, he meets Mohammed (guitarist) and Moktar (bassist) with whom he begins to sing. In 1983 they found the band “Carte de séjour” (which means “residence permit”) and record a first album entitled “Rhoromanie” in which they laud integration and tolerance toward immigrants. Then in 1986 their second album “Deux et demi” (Two and a half) is released. One of the songs of this album, “Douce France”, originally by Charles Trenet, had been remixed with Arabic-style music, which resulted in large media coverage. In 1991, Rachid Taha goes solo and records his first album, “Barbès” (from the name of a Parisian district, where many immigrants live). In his second album “Rachid Taha”, released in 1993, lyrics become sharper and music makes a link between the African and European continents. A third album entitled « Olé Olé » is released in 1995. It is a mix of techno and ethnic music, with various influences (from Algerian chaabi to Mexican mariachis). In 1998, Taha launches “Diwan”, an album with songs from popular North African artists such as Dahmane El Harrachi or Farid El Atrache. Two years later, the release of “Made in Medina”, an album with rock, electro and traditional influences results in good media reviews. Then in 2004, Taha records the album “Tékitoi?” between Paris, London and Le Caire, with songs dealing with world issues, corruption, war, racism, etc. Still between tradition and modernism, Taha came back in 2006 with “Diwan 2”, a second album with covers from popular North-african singers. Small World Music Society was founded in 1997. Its experience can range from international giants of traditional and contemporary world music in the city’s grandest performance venues, to emerging local artists in intimate club settings. Small World Music Society presents roughly 50 concerts annually, with the annual Small World Music Festival being one of the highlights of Toronto’s busy Fall arts calendar.

Tuesday July 8 at 9:00 pm
Phoenix Concert Theatre
410 Sherbourne Street
Tickets : $30 in advance
www.smallworldmusic.com

Small World Music also presents the Master Musicians of Jajouka. In concert on Tuesday July 15 at the Phoenix Concert Theatre "One of the most musically inspiring groups still left on the planet.” - Mick Jagger