[DJ/WORLD MUSIC] Cheb means “young, having an opinion and good looking.” Sabbah means “morning.” Cheb I Sabbah literally means “young of the morning.” And it’s also the big name world music spinner who will grace us again with his presence here on Maui. Originally born in Constantine, Algeria in 1947, cheb i sabbah began his turntablist career in Paris just a couple years after he and his family left Algeria in 1962. Cheb i sabbah is the DJ name he took only 14 years ago, and it’s his third incarnation in the world of spinning records. In the beginning of his career he spun American soul music on 7” vinyl. Near the end of the 1960s he’d made it to New York where he joined and then toured with Living Theatre. Finally, he made his way to San Francisco where he’s raised two children and worked in theatre as well as continuing to DJ and produce world music. He has said in several interviews that he prefers DJ-ing to theatre because it’s simpler in that he must only rely on himself. He remains in San Francisco where he is a resident DJ at the Blue Cube. His styles have much changed since the original American soul. And his influence now comes from all over the world. Apparently he has a following that some call “Cheb-i-ites”. It’s to be expected, as he has a way with taking traditional music from Asia, Africa and Arabia and then adding modern elements. His CD releases have received rave reviews for being spiritual, danceable and profoundly enjoyable. I had the pleasure of hearing some samples off his newest release La Kahena, Les Voix Du Maghreb and my ears were tickled with lovely voices singing accompanied by what sounds to me like symbols, chanting, stomping and drums. Just this last September, he was winner of the “Best Dance Music” award at the Hollywood Spiritual Film & Entertainment Festival. That’s palpable evidence that I’m not just blowing smoke. We have this musical icon for one night only and it’s a mere $15. Don’t miss it. [Heidi King]
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