During the late 1960s and early 1970s, a new form of pop music started to emerge in urban North Africa. This new form resulted from the fusion of local Arabic music with European pop music. Arab media often referred to this new style as "Progressive". In many ways, it is an independent form of music that has strong and variable Arab, African and European influences; an expression that has branched out and evolved separately from popular traditional Cha'abi music of the region.

Darja, the Arabic dialect of North Africa, is often used as the lyrical language for songs in this genre. While the music is sometimes distinguishably Arabic, it is often not. The rhythms are mixtures of Berber, Arab, African and popular European, performed to the artists' own recipe and vary to their interpretation. With the exception of Rai, a form that has gained popularity in Europe and urban North America, the progressive sound remained local for the most part.

My objective is to compile a comprehensive and continuous listing of stars and pioneers of this art form, here is an on-going listing of some singers, songwriters and performers whom, I think, have made contributions and, in some cases, an impact on the way urban North Africa appreciates pop music.

I am continuously updating this page as I search for new material, old and new recordings, forgotten performers and new faces. Please feel free to donate thought and material, your comments are greatly appreciated. QTF-1998

mahmoudMegri
:: A former member of the pioneer Moroccan group Les Frères Megri (Ikhouan El Megri: Hassan, Mahmoud, Jalila and Younes). The release of their first album possibly gave this progressive form it's first push in 1973 with songs like Ya M'raya and Lili Touil, the record did very well in the Maghreb countries and France. Mahmoud's self-titled LP did moderately well but El Megri disappeared from the scene a year or so later. Latgul Lennas.

khaled
:: This performer has a large following among the youth of the Maghreb region. While banished from performing in his homeland, Khaled became the first to score a top ten single: Didi, delivered completely in Arabic. El Ghatli is from his debut CD released in 1992.

ahmedFakrun
:: Fired out his first single, Tahan nujum elleil, back in 1973. Well known locally and in Europe to the emigrants from the Maghreb region. Fakrun hit the charts in France, back in the summer of 1984 with his Soleil, Soleil. Aouedni is on the 'B' side of his very first single.

idir
:: Berber icon who sings in his native Amazigh tongue. His earliest recordings are popular among the Berbers from the mountains of Nfusa in the western region of Libya and throughout the Atlas mountains of Morocco. Zwit Erwit is from his first album, recorded in 1976. More on him can be found here .

nasserMizdawi
:: This guitarist survived trends, hype and persecution. He is one of few consistent singers/song writers in the region. A great deal of his work has been plagiarized by many since his album Ughniat an elghourba went gold back in 1976 with songs like Risala. Visit this web site for more information.

farahElkhodja
:: This Saxophonist released his Salsa-charged debut album in 1978. He was famous in France as well as his homeland. Here is Habbetik, from his one and only album release

chebMami
:: One of the most popular and internationally known performers. His CD, Raida was a hit in France with his single Ma'Ma. Here is Gualbak Kssah Visit his official website.

masoud
:: A promising contemporary performer whose varied influences have a subtle but evident effect on his work. Sahranin, from his debut LP, is a duet with the late Cheb Araab.

firqatAlmusiqa Alhurra
:: Fronted by Najib Elhosh, a flutist and vocalist, this band broke the sound barrier of the progressive style by charging their instrumental pieces with guitar distortions combined with a well-arranged brass section. A genuine free style that has not been heard since they disbanded in 1981.

mohamedMounir
:: This very popular singer's first release hit the Egyptian market with a new sound that later became a format that many newer singers from the Middle East have adopted. His predominantly Egyptian pop style has crossed borders westward and penetrated the Middle Eastern airwaves as well. Mumkin and Shita.Many of his songs can be downloaded from his official website.

takfarinas
:: Recorded his first album in France in 1979, this forth generation Berber politico musician's electrifying sound sold nearly 2 million copies of his second album, Weithelha in 1986. His desire for music burst at the early age of six, when he attempted to make his own guitar from a tin can and brake cables of a bicycle. Takfarinas is a working artist and has produced several albums, the latest of which is Yal, released in 2000, his live concerts feature elaborate dances and colorful light displays. Here is Ahalala.

ibrahimElhesnawi
:: This contemporary performer is probably one of very few who started out their carrier in the mid 1970s, doing Reggae covers. Abna'a As'sahara or (Sons Of The Desert), the Libyan Youth Hostels Association's band was his first. Produced his first solo release, Libya, in 1984 followed by several more releases. Elhesnawi has participated in many youth conferences throughout the world and is still active. Elkon Jameel and Matlaa Shams

souadMassi
:: A relatively new face with a refreshingly new sound that is unique and reminiscent of western folk music of the early and mid 1970s. She is a soloist and a vocalist, distinguishable by her strong voice and frank lyrics. So far, she has released Raoui in 2002 and Deb, the following year. Visit her website for more info.

samiraBrahmia
:: Giving concerts in France, Algeria and other parts of Europe - This singer/song writer sings about love and liberty, often bringing up women's issues. Samira Brahmia sings in her native tounge as well as English.

future additions to the list (more information is needed)

mysticMoods
:: Houda, Kenza, Anais, Hanna, Ayla and Meriem are an all-girl heavy metal band from Morocco