Idir - A vava inouva Karim Metref writes: I was 6 years old when this song first played on Algerian radio in Amazigh.
And from that day on, for me, as for millions of Amazighs in North Africa, just hearing the first 11 notes of the song gives me goosebumps and brings me back to childhood, to memories, to the nostalgia of family gathered around the fireplace on winter nights.
The song was by a young geologist from my mountain village, Hamid Cheriet.
A geologist who enjoyed writing music.
He composed this one on a sublime text by a great poet of ours.
The day the song was to be presented at the national radio theater during a live broadcast, the singer who was supposed to perform it fell ill and did not show up.
Hamid went on stage and sang it, introducing himself by the stage name Idir.
From that day on, Hamid became IDIR, the living legend (Idir means "alive" in Amazigh).
The musical legend that has accompanied our lives from 1973 until today and will continue to do so.
Because Hamid Cheriet passed away the day before yesterday, after a long illness.
But Idir, the legend, will remain alive forever, in our ears, in our minds, in our hearts.
Ad ersen yeghsan ik di talwit ay anazur nnegh.
Rest in peace, artist.
