{"title":"Elmir Records","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eElmir Records\u003c\/em\u003e was born out of a deep passion for preserving the musical heritage of North Africa and the Middle East. With a focus on documenting and offering a fresh perspective on these diverse and rich sounds, this label brings to light both renowned figures and lesser-known artists. From early 20th-century compositions to contemporary works, Elmir Records breathes new life into these often overlooked repertoires. Like a fennec with its ears pricked towards the world, Elmir Records is dedicated to showcasing the beauty and diversity of music from this region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDistribution for \u003cem\u003eElmir Records\u003c\/em\u003e is handled by Kuroneko Media, ensuring that these captivating melodies reach audiences far and wide. Whether you are an avid collector or simply curious about exploring new musical horizons, Elmir Records invites you to embark on a journey through the vibrant tapestry of North African and Middle Eastern music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover hidden gems, rediscover classics, and immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies brought to you by \u003cem\u003eElmir Records\u003c\/em\u003e, a subdivision of MLP Music.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"mahlali-noum","title":"Mahlali Noum","description":"\u003cp\u003eFadela is an internationally renowned artist from Oran (Algeria) who began her musical career in the 1980s alongside Boutaiba S'ghir, Khaled and avant-garde producer Rachid Baba Ahmed. With her powerful, haunting voice, Fadela has brought a new dimension to raï music, skilfully blending traditional sounds with modern influences. Her songs are infused with emotion and passion, telling stories of love, pain and resilience. Over the years, she has released several successful albums, reachi ng millions of people around the world and making her an icon of raï music. Today, Fadéla continues to perform, enchanting audiences with her unique voice and infec tious energy. Her exceptional career and musical heritage make her one of the greatest raï artists of all time. Elmir is delighted to present the first vinyl edition of the album Mahlali Noum, originally released in 2006.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elmir Records","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50394122977611,"sku":"2052203","price":26.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50394123305291,"sku":"2052208","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/FADELA_-_Mahlali_Noum_2e139370_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726432921"},{"product_id":"chansons-inedites","title":"Chansons Inédites","description":"\u003cp\u003eElmir Records is pleased to present a reissue of a collection of \"unreleased songs\" by the one called the Star of the East, both for her magnetism on stage and her sumptuous voice. Born in Tmaïe al-Zahayira (Egypt), Oum Kalsoum, also spelled Oum Kalthoum (1898 ≈ 1904\/1975) is unanimously considered the greatest singer of the Arab world, which music she modernized for nearly five decades. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eProduced on 78 rpm records between 1926 and 1936, these short but rare works are among her earliest recordings and contrast with the diva's long and iconic pieces. A remastered collection with biographical notes written by Rabah Mezouane that invites the listener to (re)discover these masterpieces with the best conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elmir Records","offers":[{"title":"Translucent LP.","offer_id":50402374418763,"sku":"2021544","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Oum_Kalsoum_-_Chansons_Inedites_353bab6b_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726543191"},{"product_id":"el-awama","title":"El Awama","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor its second release, Elmir once again puts 1980s pop-raï in the spotlight with the identical reissue of Cheb Kader's masterpiece: El Awama. Originally self-produced on cassette in 1986, this album was then released on vinyl by Michel Lévy, who was then Cheb Mami’s manager and producer. Back then, the album was not the hit it was expected to be, because a little too avant-garde for the time. But more than 35 years later, fans and collectors consider the few remaining copies as priceless. The raï of Cheb Kader is a subtle compromise between the melodies of Oranese suburbs, the electricity of Casablancan guitars and the roaring layers of reggae. The listener can only be fascinated by this \"Awama\" (witch) who burns in his heart and to whom he declares his love; they can only be carried away by his hypnotic Reggae-Raï. This record is a rejuvenating find that makes you fall in love with the raï of the beginnings all over again.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elmir Records","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50406712770891,"sku":"2029994","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50406713327947,"sku":"2030014","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/El_Awama_2022_Remastered_04af7900_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726589675"},{"product_id":"lettre-ouverte-aux-open-letter-to","title":"Lettre Ouverte Aux (Open Letter To)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"Love, kindness and sincerity characterized his life and his work. He was a man, a rebel and a poet, all at the same time. He served art through his poetic and musical virtuosity, and through his art, he served the struggle of his people for survival: Imi d-luleɣ d aqbayli, isem-iw imenɣi (in Kabyle since he was born Kabyle: “They call me struggle”). After many brushes with death, he always came back with more vigorous, courageous and sensitive to the world. He was a legend in his lifetime and people thought he was immortal. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHowever, on June 25, 1998, during his final battle, Lounès Matoub was assassinated. But he died with dignity, standing straight, heroic, weapon in hand.\" (Nadia Matoub) In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of his assassination, Elmir offers the very first vinyl edition of the reference album \u003ci\u003eLettre ouverte aux...\u003c\/i\u003e; enriched with a 28-page booklet including biographical elements, the transcription of the poems and their analysis, as well as archival photos and facsimiles that suggest to the listener a complete immersion in one of the poet's masterpieces. An emblematic album that 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 of Kabyle music.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elmir Records","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50407060013387,"sku":"2025980","price":42.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50407060177227,"sku":"2046996","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Lounes_Matoub_-_Lettre_Ouverte_Aux_Open_Letter_To_9490372c_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726594063"},{"product_id":"after-rai-party","title":"After Rai Party","description":"\u003cp\u003eExcept from \u003cstrong\u003eRachid Taha\u003c\/strong\u003e, who allowed himself a few forays into the teeming, vibrant heaths of techno, no raï singer other than \u003cstrong\u003eCheb Malik\u003c\/strong\u003e has ever ventured into this terrain known for its abundance of sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you know about \u003cem\u003eMalik Adouane's\u003c\/em\u003e ancestry, this is hardly surprising. Born in Librecourt, near Lens, he comes from a union between an Italo-Celtic mother who instilled Western sounds into his ears and a father, a former miner born in Biskra (north-east Algeria), a palm grove near the desert, musically renowned for its lively diwan that could be called Saharan opera.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition, the town is renowned for its chakhchouka, a dish called after its rich blend of various ingredients and spices. Just like \u003cem\u003eMalik’s\u003c\/em\u003e music, as he was a fan of \u003cem\u003eJames Brown\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eBarry White\u003c\/em\u003e, classical Arabic and raï music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHe had been thinking about it from the beginning, but the dream took a long time to materialize. In January 1986, many raï idols turned up in Bobigny, France, for a historic and seminal festival. In the midst of the audience, the young man, dressed in black leather, provided security for the concerts of many stars before becoming one himself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHe would rub his eyes, not because he was dazzled, but because they were clouded by a nostalgia that reminded him of itself. So, with his head full of sounds warmly recommended by the best DJs, he set out, a little provocatively, to position himself at the cutting edge of music with a new concept called \"\u003cem\u003eAfter raï\u003c\/em\u003e\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt combined the sweet and precious past with an almost uncontrollable creative audacity. It's a balm made in a test-tube-studio from a mix of Arabic melodies and lyrics - a kind of \"\u003cem\u003eArabeat\u003c\/em\u003e\", and the arrogant modernity produced by samplers, electronic spinning, roaring bass and guitars made for house music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe pinnacle of the record is a masterful cover of \u003cem\u003eIsaac Hayes'\u003c\/em\u003e \"\u003cem\u003eShaft\u003c\/em\u003e\", which set dancefloors on fire in Paris, London, Ibiza and New York, and became internationally known thanks to its presence on a \u003cem\u003eParis Dernière\u003c\/em\u003e compilation curated by French musician and DJ \u003cstrong\u003eBéatrice Ardisson\u003c\/strong\u003e along with \u003cstrong\u003eClaude Challe's\u003c\/strong\u003e iconic \u003cem\u003eBuddha Bar\u003c\/em\u003e series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNow, shall we dance?\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elmir Records","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50412988629323,"sku":"2172073","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50412990660939,"sku":"2172076","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Malik_Adouane_-_After_Rai_Party_6e8dd0c6_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726670223"},{"product_id":"the-early-years-7","title":"The Early Years","description":"\u003cp\u003eSinger, actor and musician Farid El Atrache, born on October 19, 1910 in Soueïda, Syria, and died on December 26, 1974 in Beirut, Lebanon, is considered the greatest singer of the Arab world. A virtuoso of the oud, his timeless work, rich in hundreds of compositions, is recognized the world over. The present selection is devoted to the master's early works recorded in the 1930s-1940s.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elmir Records","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50413546406219,"sku":"2191720","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50413548634443,"sku":"2191724","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/a3486521436_16_b4c3ad27_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726674731"},{"product_id":"tresor-de-la-chanson-judeo-arabe-2","title":"Tresor De La Chanson Judeo-Arabe","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlgerian singer and musician Lili Boniche was born in Algiers on March 14, 1921, and died on March 6, 2008. He was famous for his contribution to Judeo-Arabic music, and particularly associated with chaâbi, a musical genre popular in Algeria that blends Arab, Berber and French influences. Born Eliaou Élie Boniche, and he grew up in a Sephardic Jewish family and became interested in music at an early age. His musical career really took off in the 1940s and 1950s, when he recorded numerous hits that helped popularize the Judeo-Arabic repertoire. His unique style blended elements of Arabic music, jazz and tango, creating a captivating musical fusion. He is widely recognized for his mastery of the lute and his distinctive voice. His lyrics were often poetic, reflecting the everyday life, love and culture of his time. Lili Boniche left an indelible mark on the North African music scene. His legacy lives on in his recordings, which continue to be listened to and enjoyed by music lovers the world over.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elmir Records","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50413551026507,"sku":"2191707","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50413551944011,"sku":"2191723","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Lili_Boniche_-_Tresors_De_La_Chanson_Judeo-Arabe_63cd0fde_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726674774"},{"product_id":"ya-habibi-taala-elhaani","title":"Ya Habibi Taala Elhaani","description":"\u003cp\u003eBorn on November 25, 1912, Asmahan, whose real name was Amal al-Atrash, was a Syrian singer and actress of the first half of the 20th century. Modern and free, she was the sister of Farid al-Atrash; and perhaps the only singer able to compete with the famous Oum Kalsoum. Her private and public life is worthy of a Hollywood movie and was particularly eventful during the Second World War, where she played spy for Germany, France and Great Britain. She died in 1944, at the age of 32, in a mysterious car accident, leaving only a few recordings. This record features her most popular titles, to be rediscovered by the music enthusiasts of today.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elmir Records","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50441070313803,"sku":"2029993","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50441071133003,"sku":"2029998","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Asmahan_-_Ya_Habibi_Taala_Elhaani_79596490_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726972533"},{"product_id":"trance-gnawa-music-from-morocco","title":"Trance Gnawa Music From Morocco","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn North Africa, a ziara is a spiritual ceremony where people come to exorcise demons, purify their bodies and loudly reaffirm their attachment to God, the prophet and the deities who claim to embody him. On this occasion, there are uncontrolled outbursts from the audience, but this has nothing to do with Roman orgies, as it lacks ostensible debauchery, aphrodisiacs or saturnalia - it is merely a blurring of the line between the religious and the superstitious. In a shrill parable, cries erupt from chests, twisting through vertical space and setting everything ablaze; a delirious chorus is chanted, ending in syncopation, and the litany, whose leitmotif Ya Chai, Ya Afi (O Healer...), shouted in unison, builds to a crescendo until the body is totally exhausted. An intoxicating ecstasy reminiscent of a voodoo ritual. What mystics call \"union in God\", a God who would multiply himself. The most brilliant performers of this type of ceremony are called the Gnawa. Originally from black Africa, mainly Sudan and Senegal, they were forcibly implanted in southern Maghreb by Tuareg raiders seeking to use them as slaves. After several decades of servitude, they managed to emerge from their painful condition, which they evoke in some of their songs, and - because of cross-fertilization - to form a mixed race known as the hormis (the reddish). They then grouped together in mystical brotherhoods, the most important of which were based in Morocco, and devoted themselves to rituals through which, while attesting to the greatness and omnipotence of Allah, they pursued their fatal liaisons with the djinns or djenoun, genie-like spirits that may be either benevolent or hostile. But above all, the Gnawa, who never abjured their faith in animist divinities, distinguish themselves by their bewitching music, dance and rhythms, which are believed to hold therapeutic virtues. During the festivities, all movements are orchestrated and staged by the maâlem, or master (one of the most famous is Si Mohamed Chaouki), for he alone knows all the rules. He is a master of the instrument that aids healing, the guembri, a kind of acoustic bass strummed with three gut strings and knows which melody-remedy matches each patient possessed by a particular spirit. All this is accompanied by dekka (frenzied handclapping) and animal sacrifices (chickens, goats and, on rare occasions, bulls). In recent years, the Gnawa musical and rhythmic tradition, which borrows from both Middle Eastern arabesques and African percussion, has enjoyed a marked revival among Moroccan artists of the new generation. But until now, only the very popular group Nass El Ghiwane has been able, with talent, faithfulness and authenticity, to reconstitute the Gnawa spirit, as witnessed by this album. So, join them, and get into the trance. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elmir Records","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50446834532683,"sku":"2205839","price":31.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Nass_El_Ghiwane_Trance_Gnawa_Music_From_Morocco_2f7cdc8b_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727064442"},{"product_id":"ettab","title":"Ettab","description":"\u003cp\u003eA descendant of the Hausa (a people from the Sahel) born in Riyadh in 1947, Ettab was a celebrated singer, actress and activist — and perhaps the only female artist of Saudi origin of her time to claim an international career. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis album, produced in Lebanon in 1992 by brothers Mahmoud and Ahmed Moussa for the label Relax-In, is a perfect introduction to her work. Resolutely modern in its pop arrangements with a finesse worthy of Curtis Mayfield, it takes Eastern classical music to new horizons. Ettab's undeniably beautiful voice is characterized by its original accent, which she refused to hide despite her exile to Egypt in 1980. After 15 albums and a few film appearances, Ettab devoted her time to defending the women’s rights in the music world until her death in 2007 in Cairo. She is now a leading female icon in the Arab world, especially in her native Saudi Arabia. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA masterpiece of Arabic music, essential to any fan of the genre, her work should be urgently (re)discovered.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elmir Records","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50530082783563,"sku":"2021521","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Ettab_-_Ettab_845ca9bb_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1728072123"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/collections\/test_7c6fa83e_thumbnail_4096_f75c9ba6-1d67-4adc-8377-d0f2181b4d12.jpg?v=1726432890","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/collections\/elmir-records.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}