Abdelkader Bendamèche

Abdelkader Bendamèche (Arabic: عبد القادر بن دعماش), born on September 26, 1949, in Mazagran (a suburb of Mostaganem), Algeria, is an Algerian singer, researcher, musicologist, writer, and senior civil servant. He is recognized as one of the most eminent specialists and guardians of Algerian musical heritage, particularly regarding Chaâbi music and Malhoun poetry. Abdelkader Bendamèche developed an interest in music at a very young age. In 1966, he made his public debut during a radio program hosted by Blaoui El Houari (Oran Radio and Television). With the help of friends from Mostaganem, he formed a music group, which gave him the opportunity to perform on the radio again in 1968. That same year, he helped found the Nadi El Hilal Et Thaqafi musical association; El Hadj Bouzid Benslimane contributed to his training in Andalusian music. In 1969, he participated in the first National Festival of Popular Songs in Algiers. He then launched a musical career, and in 1973, he recorded his first album in the *Djed* genre. An admirer of Hadj El Mahfoud, his repertoire includes religious and traditional songs drawn from the poetry of Benkhelouf, Ben M’saib, Bensahla, Bendhebah, Lazoughli, and Bentobdji. He subsequently recorded two LPs and one 45 rpm single. His discography comprises over fifty tracks in the popular (Chaâbi) genre, featuring him as either a performer or a singer-songwriter. Abdelkader Bendamèche also pursued a career in the administration of the Ministry of Culture and Information, contributing to numerous newspapers and hosting radio programs. He is a prominent figure in Algerian radio and television, hosting the show "Maya wa Hsin" on Radio Algiers Chaîne III every Saturday at 9 p.m.; for many years, he has presented extensive bibliographies and personal accounts, while also unearthing rare and previously unheard musical excerpts. Abdelkader Bendamèche has published numerous works that complement his extensive musicological research into Algerian artists.