Khaled Louma, founder of Algeria’s first rock band, dies at 70

AFP , Tuesday 26 Aug 2025

Artist and radio host Khaled Louma, founder of Algeria’s first rock band and a prominent figure of the 1980s, passed away Sunday evening at the age of 70 and was buried on Monday, according to local media.

Khaled Louma


Khaled Louma began his career with the band T34, and later with Icosiums in the 1980s, before establishing himself as a central figure in Algerian rock music, leaving his mark with songs such as Jamais doukh (You’ll Never Be Surprised) and Ma dir walou (You’ll Do Nothing).

His musical career was characterized by a wide variety of styles, ranging from rock to jazz, disco, funk, and even traditional Andalusian folk singing.

However, his primary role was as a host on Algeria’s French-speaking national radio’s third channel, where he spent 40 years producing and presenting music shows such as Contact and Black Rock.

The Presidency of the Republic, as well as the Ministries of Culture and Communication, extended their condolences to the family.

Khaled Louma was “one of the prominent figures of Radio Channel 3, whose name was associated with cultural programs that helped enrich the artistic and intellectual sensibilities of listeners,” wrote the Minister of Culture and the Arts, Zouhir Ballalou.


*This article was written in French by AFP, translated to English by Ahram Online

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