Takaleed – Middle Eastern & Arabic Musicians

UK’s Most Requested Middle Eastern, Arabic Musicians, Rai, Chabbi & North African Ensemble

Takaleed is a North African & Middle Eastern live band made in London specialising in Rai, Chabbi and Arabic Music. Consisting of musicians from North Africa, Morrocco, Algeria and the Middle East of Arabic descent, this is the most established, experienced and energetic band of this genre in Europe. They also perform the Zaffa (wedding march and musical procession) for traditional Arabian-influenced weddings.

The band also has its roots in Algeria, the birthplace of RAI. The ensemble consists of traditional percussive instruments, mainly the darbuka, karkabou, bendir, mandola, and saz,  fused with various Western European instruments like the accordion, guitar, drum kit, bass and percussion. They perform music from the Middle East, the Arab World and North Africa, including countries like Tunisia.

RAI  is originally folk music originating in Oran, Algeria, from Bedouin shepherds, mixed with Spanish, French, African, and Arabic musical forms, dating back to the 1930s.

Sting adopted RAI  into one of his albums in 2000; he used the bassline, the Arabic double harmonic scales for the mid-string section, vocals and percussion in his song Desert Rose featuring the world’s most famous Algerian RAI singer Cheb Mami.

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Taqaleed has performed at various venues and festivals on the international stage and in London. The band is now based in Greenwich (South East London). Besides their live performances, they have been involved in studio work, composing music for films and documentaries. Contact

RAI originates from traditional Algerian music (Chaabi, Kabil, and Chawia) and encompasses Pop, Jazz, Funk, Rock, Reggae, Fusion, and Blues.  It is dynamic and produces many danceable rhythms based on strong, distinct rhythms. It has become one of the most popular forms of live music in North Africa and the Middle Eastern Arab world.  Its popularity has quickly spread to neighbouring countries: Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt, and it is trendy in the Gulf States.  Since France has a sizeable Magrebian population, RAI music is now part of French culture.