“From the Zaouïa to the Olympia: Research on Kabyle Song”

One of this October’s highlights from Koukou Editions is the book by Farida Aït Ferroukh, which explores the roots of Kabyle song, emphasizing its link to spirituality and its evolution toward international stages like the Olympia.

Farida Aït Ferroukh explains that her work is based on an anthropological study of the evolution of Kabyle music, integrating unpublished testimonies from iconic figures like Slimane Azem and Chérif Kheddam. She emphasizes the importance of this music in the cultural and identity-related claims of the Berber people, especially since the events of the Berber Spring in the 1980s, which marked a turning point in the recognition of cultural rights in Algeria.

The book provides an in-depth analysis of Kabyle music, tracing its evolution. It highlights the contributions of major figures such as Slimane Azem and Chérif Kheddam and underscores the impact of this music in the Berber identity struggle.