Sidi Bel Abbès – As part of the 14th edition of the National Cultural Festival of Raï Music, a visual arts exhibition titled “Ahmed Zarqi: An Eternal Voice in the National Memory” is being held in Sidi Bel Abbès to commemorate the work of the late artist, who left a profound mark on Raï music and contributed significantly to its growth and prestige.
The exhibition, organized within the festival’s parallel cultural programme, is taking place in the foyer of the “Saïm El Akhdar” open-air theatre. It celebrates the life and career of Ahmed Zarqi, a figure whose artistic legacy remains deeply embedded in this Algerian popular music genre, according to festival commissioner Houssam Harzallah.
Running throughout the festival from August 7 to 10, the exhibition features various sections displaying Zarqi’s biography, paintings, and archival photographs documenting key stages of his life and career. It also includes rare documents highlighting his contributions to enriching Raï music and his close connection to Algeria’s social and political realities during pivotal periods in its history.
The event, which has attracted interest from the public and art specialists alike, aims to preserve Algeria’s artistic heritage and pass it on to future generations. Zarqi, known for songs that resonated with societal issues and expressed them with sincerity and simplicity, earned the affection and respect of a wide audience across the country.
The exhibition also offers an important space for visitors—particularly young people and researchers of Algerian music history—to learn more about one of the most influential voices that helped cement Raï’s place in the national cultural scene.
The 14th edition of the National Cultural Festival of Raï Music, organized under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Arts and the Wilaya of Sidi Bel Abbès, will conclude this Sunday evening with a special tribute to Ahmed Zarqi in recognition of his lifelong dedication to Raï music.
