On the road of exile, Labess finds its musical identity - polyphonic, free, alive. Nourished by Algerian roots and the wide-ranging life journey of artist Nedjim Bouizzoul. Labess is a journey that begins in Algiers, in the popular neighborhood of Hussein-Dey. It is there that the musician grows up, cradled by the traditional chaâbi of the “big brothers” of the music scene.

At the age of 18, he migrates with his mother and sisters to Québec. He plays music in the streets to earn his living. The journey continues - to Colombia, where he lives for two years, and later to Europe. His music is open to the world: African rhythms, gypsy rumba, flamenco. Chaâbi remains ever-present, as does the question “Who am I?”, to which Nedjim replies: “A bit of every country I pass through, a bit of every musician I meet.”

A self-taught artist, Nedjim defines himself as a street musician - a stance he maintains to this day. After twenty years, five albums and performances on international stages, this attitude remains strongly tangible. The current album Dima Libre (2024), meaning “forever free,” is a passionate affirmation of freedom, resistance and joy of life.

Nedjim Bouizzoul – vocals, guitar
Tarek Maaroufi – percussions
Florent Hinschberger – trumpet

labess.com