Music for LONDON - Taqlid – Middle Eastern Ensemble

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

Taqlid has its roots in Khemis Miliana (Algeria), near Oran, the birth place of RAI. They band consists of various 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.

RAI is originally a form of folk music that originated in Oran, Algeria from Bedouin shepherds, mixed with Spanish, French, African and Arabic musical forms, which dates back to the 1930s.

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

Ya Rayah

Dor Biha

Ya Galbi

Bint El Chalabia

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

Rock The Casbah

Gouzali

Mahani Zine

Talaa

RAI originates from traditional Algerian music (Chaabi, Kabil, and Chawia) and encompasses Pop, Jazz, Funk, Rock, Reggae, Fusion, and Blues. Based on strong distinct rhythms, its dynamic and produces lots of danceable 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 is very popular in the Gulf States. Since France has a large Magrebian population, RAI music is now part of the French culture.

The Traditional Instruments
Derbouka

Taqlid’s current live performance outfit is made up of nine musicians from different backgrounds using traditional instruments such as Mandole, Hadjoudj & North African percussion combined including Brass, Keyboard, Piano, Bass guitar, Viola, Banjo, Cello, Drums and Electric Guitars. They are a charismatic band, able to liven up any audience from any culture with their infectious rhythms and dynamic stage personalities. When your guests experience the full nine piece live band, they will remember your private party or corporate even in years to come.

The band have performed for Her Majesty The Queen, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and The Amir Of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al – Thani at South Hook in South Wales. They has also performed on major festivals within the UK, including the Womad main stage, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Trafalgar Square, Albert Hall, The National Theatre Open Air Festival, the Barbican¹s Mediterranean Music Festival & many outdoor events, theatres, clubs, museums & art centres, World Peace Music Awards in Bali & Thassos- Greece, Dubai, Bahrain, The Never Ending Song touring with All Stars.

Taqlid Drummers are also available to run drum workshop around the UK for Schools, Art Centres, Museums, Clubs, Private Parties and other occasions. They are known for their unique and exciting approach to drums and percussion. They have been working with children and adults over the last 12 years in London, Greenwich and Lewisham. They have performed with Airto Moreira, Hossam Ramzy, Rabah Khalfa, Grand Union Orchestra and the Master Drummers of Africa.