” Since born Kabyle, my name is combat (Imi i d-luley d Aqbayli, isem-iw imenyi) Lounès Matoub (1956-1998).
La Kabylie de Lounès Matoub, with Nadia Matoub (his wife) and the journalist speaker Rabah Mezouane.
In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of his death, Elmir Records offers the whole first edition double vinyl from the reference album Open letter to… of Matoub Lounes, enriched by an exciting 28-page booklet, including biographical elements, the transcription of the poems and their analysis as well as archive photos and facsimiles which suggest to the listener a complete immersion in one of the masterpieces of the poet . An emblematic album which testifies to the immense talent of Matoub Lounes, his sensitivity and his commitment to the Berber cause. An essential document that invites you to (re)discover the work of one of the greatest figures in Kabyle music.
“Love, sharing and sincerity characterized his life and work. The man, the Rebel and the poet merged. He served art with his poetic and musical virtuosity; through his art, he served his people’s struggle for survival: Imi i d-luleɣ d Aqbayli, isem-iw imenɣi (since born Kabyle, my name is combat). Many times confronted with death, we saw him reborn each time with reinforced vigor, imposing courage and a sharpened sensitivity to the world. Having become a legend during his lifetime, we thought he was immortal. However, on June 25, 1998, during his final battle, Lounès Matoub was assassinated. But he died worthy, upright, heroic, arms in hand. » (Nadia Matoub)
Titles played in the show
– Ayen Ayen (my abyss life)
– Ay Izem
– ExtractTabrat I Lekhwam (Open letter to…)
– Yehwa – yam(Free and female)
-U–Shisif–Ara (The Pass of Salvation)
– I Luhoe – D Zzhir (At our gates death).
► scrapbook Open letter to… (Elmir Road 2023).
To go further, bibliography:
– Malika Matoub, Matoub Lounès, my brotherEditions Albin Michel, 2000
– Nadia Matoub, For the love of a rebelEditions Robert Laffont, 2000
– Yalla Seddiki, my name is fightEditions La Découverte, 2003
Eternal Lounès Matoub website.
Excerpts from an interview with Lounès Matoub, France Télévisions 1995.