Les Boukakes

Les Boukakes’ name, a combination of two terms of abuse, is the band’s answer to racism: "Bougnoul" is a derogatory word for Arab and "Maquaque" means “ugly monkey”.

By matching and surpassing the speed of old masters such as Khaled and Rachid Taha, this Maghrebi-Occitan combo has developed a new sound, as heard on their album "Makach Mou'kil", which translates roughly as "No Problem". It’s a blend of Funky Raï, Gnawa and Chaâbi, with Reggae-style heat waves, all driven by the Moroccan derbouka percussionist Imed Alibi and the rasping voice of Bachir Mokhtar , which oscillates between a kind of rap and the melodies of the Maghreb. They have made perfect this unique musical cocktail on their latest album, "Bledi", which roughly means "My Homeland". Another ironic statement by a band at home throughout the world.