Cheikha Rahma Labassia (Rai)

I don't know why Cheikha Rahma Labassia doesn't get more attention. Check out this absolutely slamming song of hers, "Maniche Mana," courtesy ShellacHead. Recorded, it seems, in the 1960s.

And then there is the fact that it was Cheikha Rahma who did the original version of "Sa'ida Ba'ida," also recorded by Cheb Mami, Cheb Khaled and Cheikha Rimitti. It is so brilliant, no wonder these artists wanted to cover it. 

Here is live footage from Cheikha Rahma, apparently from 2012:

Here's another great track from her, "Haya Neghdou":

And this: "Ya Chira." 

Here she is doing "Dane Dane Dan."

Her name means she is from Sidi Bel Abbès. Sidi Bel Abbès is considered to be one of the places where rai originated (it wasn't just Oran), and it has been the home of Algeria's national rai festival since 2008.

I really wish I knew more about this fabulous singer.