Originally released in 1975, Ken Andi Habib by Freh Khodja is an important document of North African music recorded during the 1970s. Born in 1949 in Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria, Khodja developed an early passion for music, studying saxophone and theory before moving to Paris in 1968 to continue his training at the École Normale de Musique. Alongside his musical education, he experienced the difficult reality of immigrant life in France.
In Paris, Khodja became a member of Les Flammes, a group composed largely of musicians from the African diaspora, particularly Cape Verde. With Les Flammes providing the musical backing and the vocal group El Salem handling background vocals, Khodja recorded Ken Andi Habib in 1975, in a Parisian studio. The album blends North African melodies with jazz, funk, and Caribbean influences, reflecting the diverse musical environment of the city at the time.
Released by the Algerian label La Voix Du Globe, Ken Andi Habib was distributed mainly within North African immigrant communities in France and Algeria. While it received limited attention at the time of its release, it later became highly regarded among collectors and DJs interested in rare Arabic grooves and North African recordings. The album stands out for its synthesis of Arabic music with contemporary styles without losing its distinct identity.
This first official reissue has been remastered in Paris by Colorsound Studio. It restores the original artwork and includes newly commissioned liner notes by North African music specialist Rabah Mezouane, who places Khodja’s work within the wider context of musical innovation by North African artists in France during the 1970s.
Wewantsounds is pleased to reintroduce Ken Andi Habib to all fans of Arabic music and Global grooves, highlighting an important chapter in the history of Algerian music created in exile.
