Disco Maghreb is an Algerian music publishing house founded in the early 1980s in Oran by Boualem Benhaoua. It is considered one of the most important labels in the history of raï, a musical genre born in western Algeria.
History
Foundation and Golden Age Disco Maghreb was created in 1982 by Boualem Benhaoua, who was 28 years old at the time. Initially, Benhaoua ran a retail store selling audio cassettes named “Maghreb Musique” in downtown Oran. Passionate about music, he decided to venture into music publishing to support local artists.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Disco Maghreb became a major player in the raï scene in Oran. The label served as a springboard for many young artists who would later become international raï stars, including:
- Cheb Khaled
- Cheb Mami
- Cheb Hasni
- Cheba Zahouania
Boualem Benhaoua developed a close relationship with these artists, guiding them in their early careers and helping to shape their success. The label was known for its ability to discover new talent and produce hits.
Decline and Closure
From the mid-1990s, Disco Maghreb began to experience difficulties. Several factors contributed to its decline:
- The emigration of many raï stars to France
- The assassination of Cheb Hasni in 1994, which deeply affected the Oran music scene
- The massive rise of music piracy
The iconic Disco Maghreb store in Oran eventually closed its doors, marking the end of an era for the label.
Unexpected Revival
After more than 20 years of inactivity, Disco Maghreb saw an unexpected resurgence of interest in 2022. French DJ and producer of Algerian descent, DJ Snake, released a track titled “Disco Maghreb” as a tribute to the legendary label. The music video, shot in Oran, features the label’s historic store and became a viral hit with over 136 million views on YouTube.
This media exposure rekindled interest in Disco Maghreb. The Oran store became a pilgrimage site for fans and tourists. In August 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron even visited the store during an official trip to Algeria.
Legacy
Disco Maghreb holds an important place in the cultural history of Oran and Algeria. The label played a crucial role in the emergence and popularization of raï, helping to make it an international phenomenon. Today, Disco Maghreb is considered a cultural heritage of Oran and a symbol of the golden age of raï.
Disco Maghreb is an Algerian music publishing house founded in the early 1980s in Oran by Boualem Benhaoua. It is considered one of the most important labels in the history of raï, a musical genre born in western Algeria.
History
Foundation and Golden Age Disco Maghreb was created in 1982 by Boualem Benhaoua, who was 28 years old at the time. Initially, Benhaoua ran a retail store selling audio cassettes named “Maghreb Musique” in downtown Oran. Passionate about music, he decided to venture into music publishing to support local artists.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Disco Maghreb became a major player in the raï scene in Oran. The label served as a springboard for many young artists who would later become international raï stars, including:
- Cheb Khaled
- Cheb Mami
- Cheb Hasni
- Cheba Zahouania
Boualem Benhaoua developed a close relationship with these artists, guiding them in their early careers and helping to shape their success. The label was known for its ability to discover new talent and produce hits.
Decline and Closure
From the mid-1990s, Disco Maghreb began to experience difficulties. Several factors contributed to its decline:
- The emigration of many raï stars to France
- The assassination of Cheb Hasni in 1994, which deeply affected the Oran music scene
- The massive rise of music piracy
The iconic Disco Maghreb store in Oran eventually closed its doors, marking the end of an era for the label.
Unexpected Revival
After more than 20 years of inactivity, Disco Maghreb saw an unexpected resurgence of interest in 2022. French DJ and producer of Algerian descent, DJ Snake, released a track titled “Disco Maghreb” as a tribute to the legendary label. The music video, shot in Oran, features the label’s historic store and became a viral hit with over 136 million views on YouTube.
This media exposure rekindled interest in Disco Maghreb. The Oran store became a pilgrimage site for fans and tourists. In August 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron even visited the store during an official trip to Algeria.
Legacy
Disco Maghreb holds an important place in the cultural history of Oran and Algeria. The label played a crucial role in the emergence and popularization of raï, helping to make it an international phenomenon. Today, Disco Maghreb is considered a cultural heritage of Oran and a symbol of the golden age of raï.
