Nour Festival: Souad Massi

Algerian singer-songwriter and guitarist Souad Massi performs in the Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room as part of the Nour Festival, celebrating Middle Eastern and North African culture and arts.

In June 2001, she released her solo debut album, Raoui ("Storyteller"). The album became a critical and commercial success in France. The following year, she was nominated for Best Newcomer at the BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards. In 2003, she released her second album, Deb ("Heartbroken"). The album's lyrics were more personal, rather than political, and it became one of the most successful North African albums worldwide. 2010 saw the release of her fourth and latest studio album Ô Houria. It features Paul Weller on piano and vocals on its closing song.