the progressive music of north africa
During the late 1960's and early 1970's, a new form of pop music in the region of North Africa, emerged on the scene. This new sound resulted from fusion of local Arabic music with European pop. Arab media often referred to this new sound as progressive music. In many ways, it is an independent form of music that has strong and variable Arab, African and European influences; an expression that has branched and evolved separately from the traditional Cha'abi music of the region.Darja, the Arabic dialect of North Africa, is the lyrical language of this sound. While the music is not necessarily Arabic, the rhythms are often mixtures of Berber, Arab, African and popular European. Artists usually reflect their diverse ethnic backgrounds through their own distinguishable work. The progressive sound remained local for the most part but Mizdawi's music broke into the international market through other Arab and European performers.
Nasser Mizdawi is a pioneer in this form of music whom, many believe, is responsible for transforming the way young, urban Arab performers view and express their music today. QTF-1998