Early Life
Abdelkader Gessoum (Kessoum) (Arabic: عبد القادر قسوم) was born on 12 April 1946 in Blida, Algeria. He passed away on 12 July 2010. He became known as one of the prominent voices of Algerian chaabi.
By the age of eight, he could already play several instruments, including the ney, harmonica and flute. When Algeria gained independence, he was sixteen. In the excitement of that period, he bought his first mandolin. He began playing melodies inspired by Hadj M’rizek and Hadj Mahfoud. He later received solid musical training from Cheikh Salhi (Mahieddine Mohamed), nephew of Cheikh Mahfoud, who often invited him to perform at family gatherings.
First Steps in Music
In 1966, at twenty years old, Gessoum formed his first chaabi orchestra in secret, out of respect for his teachers. The group made its first appearance on national radio, introduced by Rabah Driassa. The broadcast went poorly, and Gessoum stepped away from the stage for a few years.
He returned in 1969 and won first prize at the Festival of Chaabi Song with Djel El Koul Bach Yendhekar. In 1970, he appeared on Algerian television for his first chaabi concert. Encouraged by masters such as Boualem Djenadi, Dahmane Benachour, Mohamed Misraoui and Rachid Mohamed, he continued to build his place in the chaabi world with his soft and warm voice.
Recording Career
In 1974, he recorded two 45 rpm singles. In 1976, he released his first album in Paris with the support of Mustapha Skandrani. Around that time, he collaborated with Mahboub Bati on light popular songs. Pieces like Ya H’la and Ach Bih Hajbi became major successes. Soon after, he chose to take a step back to rethink his artistic direction.
Return and Legacy
Gessoum returned in 1989 and created his own label, El Alhan. Through it, he produced his own music and supported artists such as Toubal, Nacerdine Benghali and Oujdi. His comeback included renewed interpretations of El Kawi, M’Sebarni Li Tihame, Lahbab Amlou Louila and Chehlet Laâyani.
He built a unique musical identity rooted in Andalusian, Hawzi and Chaabi traditions, drawing inspiration from El Anka. Blida, known for its rich musical culture and masters like Mohamed Misraoui and Mohamed Semmad (Hadj M’rizek), played a key role in shaping his artistic personality.
Guided by Mustapha Kechkoul, influenced by Cheikh Boualem El Djenadi of Boufarik, and inspired by Dahmane Ben Achour and Hadj Mejbeur, he forged a legacy remembered for its depth and authenticity.
Passing
Abdelkader Gessoum died on 12 July 2010 after a heart attack. He was buried in Blida, where a large crowd gathered to honor the “nightingale” of chaabi music.