Les Abranis – Chenar Le Blues (1977)
It was only in the past year or so that Amazigh-language television channels were finally launched in Algeria and Morocco. From what I’ve read, it was a very welcome advancement because for many years Amazighs have been treated like foreigners in their own country. Les Abranis were one of many music bands of the Amazigh ethnicity who struggled to find national exposure during the 1970’s. Led by Karim Abdenour and Shamy El Baz, the group craftily maneuvered its way onto Algerian television by participating in the Wilaya de Bejaia Bowling Championships. After winning the tournament they were invited to perform the song “A Yema” during the halftime show the following year, which from what I gather is not quite the equivalent of performing at the Superbowl, but more on the level of the NBA All-Star game.