faudel

I’m one of the PRINCE big fans so if u guys want all ur questions to be answered send them to me in English or Arabic I would appreciate that. =]

with all my love to u



Faudel Bellula - better known to fans as Faudel - was born on June 6th 1978 in the Paris suburb of Mantes-la-Jolie, where he grew up in the Val-Fourré neighbourhood. His father, who was born in Chlef (Algeria) worked on the production line at the Renault car factory while his mother, who was also born in Algeria (in the village of Hennaya) worked as a cleaner. Faudel grew up in a highly musical environment at home. His seven brothers, all of them musicians, introduced him to soul and reggae at an early age, while his parents stocked the house with Rai cassettes.



But one of Faudel's greatest influences during his early years was his grandmother who performed regularly with the "meddahates" (groups of women musicians in Oran who play traditional music at weddings and other family occasions). It was Faudel's grandmother who was largely responsible for putting the young boy in touch with his Algerian roots and teaching him traditional Rai rhythms during the summer holidays. Faudel certainly proved to be a quick and enthusiastic learner and, by the age of 12, the talented youngster had already formed his own group, "Les Etoiles du Rai" (The Rai Stars). Faudel and "Les Etoiles du Rai" soon became a well-known fixture at the youth club and other local associations in Mantes-la-Jolie. Faudel then went on to appear at clubs throughout the Paris suburbs, performing covers of Khaled, Zahouania and Mami's greatest hits, accompanied by a pre-recorded backing tape.



The turning-point of Faudel's early career came at the age of 13 when he was spotted by Mohamed Mestar (aka Momo). Mestar, an ex-guitarist, had recently set up an association in the suburbs to promote up-and-coming local artists and, after catching one of Faudel's concerts, he offered to take charge of the young Rai singer's career. Thanks to Momo's guiding hand, Faudel soon built up his own repertoire and began performing as a support act with a number of top French music stars (including MC Solaar, Idir, Jimmy Oihid and Rai mega-star Khaled). Faudel went on to study accountancy and metallurgy, but his passion for Rai soon led to him taking up a professional singing career.



Even though Faudel was still in his early teens, he managed to establish himself as the new voice of Rai. Indeed, in 1995 two French television documentaries were made about the rising young star from Mantes-la-Jolie - "Saga cités" (which was broadcast on the state-owned channel France 3) and "Les Enfants du Rai" (broadcast on the Franco-German channel Arte). The following year Faudel would be chosen to represent the Ile-de-France region at the prestigious Printemps de Bourges Festival. And the young singer's impressive performance in the New Talent category would only serve to increase his growing popularity.