Letter to Safinez Bousbia

Open letter from Mohamed Benabdallah to Safinez Bousbia
“El Gusto”

17 January 2020,

Hello Safinez Bousbia,

I am an Algerian who grew up with the Chaabi music and when i saw your documentary, it brought tears to my eyes. I grew up in Algeria (lived in Tiaret & Mostaganem). Mostaganem was famous about its small wedding groups who played Chaabi at weddings. I fell in love with that music as a kid and every time i hear it it brings back good memories. I have always believed that Chaabi is the most authentic Algerian music.
I came to the US in 1975 and started a new life in the Boston area. I have few albums on my phone that i listen to whenever i am alone and need an emotional trip back home.
You documentary not only highlighted this music but it also showed the world how jews and muslim lived, and played together in a colonized country under France. Most of the time music was the only way people escaped the hell of war and united people from different backgrounds, races and religions.

I want to thank you very much for doing this as you captured the essence of the diverse Algeria that existed in time of colonization and war.

I would love to be able to buy it and share it with my kids as they will never understand the emotions that your movie evoque in me watching it. Please send me any information on how i can purchase the movie.

Thank you for doing it and sharing it with the world.
Mohamed Benabdallah
mohamedb422@####.com

Author: Mohamed Benabdallah