Zohra “Badala Zamana” (1977)

Late 70’s Arabic language Folk/Disco from France.

I first became aware of this one via my pals at Beach Freaks. At the time, I couldn’t afford to cop the OG and wondered when I’d find an affordable copy. Alas! It’s been reissued and is a 10th of the price of an original copy, both my wallet and my record bag are overjoyed.

Release Info

Born in 1950 near Constantine and raised on a parental diet of traditional Arabic music, Zohra quickly took up singing and playing the guitar and kept doing so after she and her family moved to the North of France. Playing gala events and receptions during her first years in France it took an encounter with multi-talented instrumentalist, composer, arranger and conductor Joël Hannier to take her into the world of recorded music.

Joël Hannier’s experience in writing and interpreting music for ballets, television, orchestras and a vast array of French and international musicians made sure their collaboration – sung in a Berber dialect – was destined for success. The title track ‘Badala Zamana’ gets picked up by various radio stations, most notably in Arabic speaking countries. In France the song did not go unnoticed either, but until today – although championed by Habibi Funk among a few others – it remains relatively unearthed.

Jake Stellarwell

For nearly two decades now, Jake has dedicated himself to playing and promoting underground music. Recently, he was recognized as winner of 2018's 'Art Of The Mixtape' contest and was invited to join the MIMS editorial team. Through events, gigs, mixes, radio shows and now writing, Jake has and will continue to highlight artists and labels from around the world.