Afous

Kabyle Algerian band founded in the late 70s, whose members
are five brothers originally from the Taourirt Mimoun village of Ath-Yanni (Algeria).
Later based in Paris, France, their band's name means "hand" in Amazigh languages.

Afous: This group is rare. He became rare, he entered the music planet like a memory,
he tiptoed out ten years ago to return gently, without fuss,
with arguments and sure values: The rhythm and the words to say it. (M.O).

Below is the text of the late musician Hachemi BELLALI,
about the group AFOUS, text found on the back of the cover
from the 33 rpm vinyl album "Si Thala Oumalou" released the same year:

"The young Kabyle song which, at the beginning, had aroused immense hopes for renewal
faced with certain old refrains that appear as museum objects, has unfortunately
fell short of what was expected of her.

It split not to form a rich and promising diversity but to settle down
in a rigid cultural ghetto where hints of intolerance compete with mediocrity.

Let us pay tribute to the poet singer “Aït Menguellet” for his constancy
in the quality of the melody and the text.

Should we therefore speak of stagnation in this area? In our opinion, there is no danger yet
at home for the good and simple reason that we are witnessing the massive arrival of young people
“singer-songwriters and performers” almost unknown on the record market.

They come to upset the status quo patiently developed in this environment.
The approach of the “AFOUS” group is inspired by a rejection of all attitudes
skillfully encouraged, even cultivated.

After having scoured Kabylia presenting their own compositions, the AMIRECHE brothers
decided to go to Paris and record a record there. They knocked on several doors without results.

Their wait was long, until a happy coincidence made them meet
the musician AREZKI BAROUDI already seasoned by the profession.

From that moment on, events took another turn and the group “AFOUS” was born.

Here the texts, supported by powerful music, bring a breath of fresh air into this metallic universe.
They in no way claim to provide any panacea. Enthusiasm and lyricism naturally coexist
because everything is indivisible: joy, sorrow, the absence of loved ones, the village....

Everyday life takes its toll every moment.
...Simple things are still the best things here..."

H.B (Hachemi BELLALI) Peace to his soul.