Born in that most creatively charged of Algerian towns Oran, he was immersed in the powerful wave of music and social modernity known as Räi. In spite of this, he had an ear for something a little different and spent no fewer than 15 years studying at L’Ecole de Musique Arabo-Andalouse de Nassim El Andalous.

The music came from the Middle East, travelled to Andalusia and then returned to the Maghreb

As he explained his interest in the music that shares a common history with flamenco, “My parents come from Tlemcen in the west of Algeria, whose population derive from the Jews and Muslims expelled in the Reconquista of 1492. The music, architecture and style are the same as that you would find in Seville, Cordoba or Granada. While Arabic-Andalusian music is popular in these Spanish towns, in Algeria, it is viewed as classical and is not so popular except in my region.”

Which is not to say that the untutored ear would pick up the similarities immediately. A lot has changed since 1492. “When you travel, you change this music and confront change but the changes are only stylistic, the philosophy remains the same. The music came from the Middle East, travelled to Andalusia and then returned to the Maghreb.”

His latest recording Aïni, is a swirling mix of contemporary musical forms anchored by his passionate interest in his own musical roots, “My music is traditional but modern too. My training is classical and inspired by tradition but fuses popular sounds.”

Akim left Algeria in 1990 for Marseille. While his intention may have been to complete a Masters in Marketing, it was inevitable that he would fall head first into the musical stew of southern France’s greatest port.

He laughs when he compares Oran and Marseille. He notes that there are more Algerians in Marseille than Oran. He has lived in both but now lives in Paris. All these towns have the openness and diverse qualities he draws his musical inspiration from. “When you live in cosmopolitan towns you have a chance to listen to other music and play with different musicians.” He jokes that if one of his songs is a hit, he might even move to London.

Akim has played both Live8 and WOMAD this year, “Live8 was good, with great artists and in such a beautiful place. I was happy to know that I could help someone.” Audiences will remember him for his breezy style and silky voice but above all else his habit of playing the violin resting on his hips and played almost like a cello. A style he says he adopted so he could get to the microphone to sing without having to stop playing the violin.

With plenty more gigs lined up, Akim is definitely a musician on the move.

Links:
www.akimelsikameya.com
His new album, Aini is out on Lila Records
Photo by Damian Rafferty