Since her arrival in France at the end of the 90s fleeing Algerian fundamentalism, Souad Massi has become the ambassador on both sides of the Mediterranean not only for a young generation thirsty for freedom but also for women repressed by macho domination. Carried for a long time by a major label, her folk rock infused with both North African and Western traditions, along with her bold and miraculous singing have been round the world. Her return after a few years under the radar coincides with the time her country is rising up against the rigid diktats of a corrupt one-party government. Her voice, her charm and her message have not been weakened. Between a woody blueprint, intoxicating chaabi music and silky pop, she covers anger, love, the intimate and the melancholic. Her lyrics are penned either by herself or by the Cairo native Nader Abdellah (Salam, with music from Khaled Izz), François Mallet-Joris (Pays Natal, composed by Marie-Paul Belle) or by Magyd Cherfi on the final track Je Chante. The perfect balance of levity and depth, Oumniya (“my wish”) should put Souad Massi in her rightful place: at the forefront of the scene. © Benjamin MiNiMuM/Qobuz