Saha Dahmane

"Ya Rayah": A Musical Journey through the Life of Dahmane El HarrachiThe movie "Ya Rayah" offers a captivating insight into the life and music of Algerian musician, singer, and composer, Dahmane El Harrachi. Known for his iconic song "Ya Rayah," which would later be covered by Rachid Taha and achieve international acclaim, El Harrachi was a virtuoso banjo player whose work initially challenged the conventions of traditional Algiers Chaâbi music.Despite the purists' initial skepticism, El Harrachi would eventually secure his place among the giants of the genre, such as El Hadj M'hamed El Anka, Boudjemaâ El Ankis, and Amar Ezzahi. This film not only celebrates the music and legacy of Dahmane El Harrachi but also chronicles the camaraderie shared among him and his fellow musicians during an era when Algerian Chaâbi music flourished.The movie was shot with the collaboration of his musician friends, providing an intimate look at El Harrachi's life before his untimely death in a car accident on Algiers' Corniche in 1980. "Ya Rayah" serves as both a tribute to a legendary artist and an exploration of the enduring power of music that transcends cultural boundaries.