Mohamed Mazouni is an Algerian singer songwriter and producer. He was born on May 4, 1940, in Blida.
He began his career in 1958 with songs that supported Algerian nationalism during the French occupation. He first gained attention with Rebtouh Fel Mechnak (“They Tied Him to the Guillotine”). His song Adieu la France, Bonjour l’Algérie (“Goodbye France, Hello Algeria”) made him widely known.
In 1969, he moved to France. His music there explored romantic themes, such as Si Massoud (Je t’aime et je t’aimerai) and Chérie Madame. He also sang about exile, racism, and the harsh life of immigrant workers. In Clichy, he denounced discrimination with the line: “Unemployment rages. For the Arab, it’s always no. The boss is never there for you when your name isn’t Bernard.”
He returned to Algeria in 1982 and stepped away from the music scene for almost ten years.
His work reappeared in the 2000s thanks to groups like Zebda, the Orchestre National de Barbès, and singer Rachid Taha. Their interest brought him renewed recognition.
Mazouni now lives in his hometown of Blida. He continues to sing and enjoys local success.
In 2019, the compilation Un dandy en exil (“A Dandy in Exile”) paid tribute to his career. correct this “Transition words