The music band "Belda" enthralled the audience Thursday at the opening ceremony of the 9th National Chaabi Music Festival at Riad El Feth Office in Algiers.
Conducted by Reda Kheznadji, the band began the concert with pieces from Turkish musical heritage before moving to Andalusian and Chaabi songs performed by Lamia Madini, Salhaoui Mohamed El Hadi and Ibrahim Akad.
According to the festival's commissioner, Maamar Guena, this year's edition will be held in open air in order to draw larger audience, and will be marked by the organization of conferences and roundtables on Chaabi music.
Thirty-four artists representing 12 provinces will compete for the festival's prize. They will be accompanied by a orchestra conducted by Reda Kheznadji.
The jury, chaired by Boudjemaa al Ankis, will choose the winner of this edition's prize, worth DZD 500 000.
This edition will be dedicated to the late singer and percussionist Omar Mekraza (1924-1986), one of the disciples of the Chaabi master El Hadj Mhamed El Anka.