Karim Dellali was born in 1966 in Thenia, Algeria. He worked as a computer manager and played guitar in his spare time. In 1997, after a hard beginning in the music industry Karim met Yazid Fantazi in a pub in Hackney and together they formed a group called Fatazia. Fatazia is now made up of eight multicultural musicians who play a mix of western and North African music. This group is popular in London, Algeria and Amsterdam and is best known for its album Mul Sheshe released in October 2005.
Karim Dellali
How did you learn music?
I started by playing guitar at the age of 4 or 5. I remember that my first guitar was made of plastic and had only one chord. (He laughed). I was happy with my music but my mother always kicked me out saying I was giving her headache. Thus, I did not have any choice than going to the ‘Houma’ (neighbourhood) and playing with my mates. I can remember our long journeys sitting on this big ratchet and playing whatever came to our minds. We never cared about whatever notes were right or wrong, it just had to sound good at the end. Later on I learnt to play more instruments like Derbouka and Djembe.
When did you start your music career?
When I came to the UK in the late nineties I never thought about having a career in the music industry. I was studying computing in a London college and was willing to get a job in this field. However being alone in a foreign country my only refuge was guitar. When I was feeling lost or lonely I took my guitar to any hackney’s pub and started playing North African music. People liked my music and I started having propositions for playing in Saturday parties and stuff and like. But my career seriously began when I met Yazid Fantazi, an Oud (popular Algerian instrument) player in a pub, a Saturday night. We talked a lot that night and the next morning Yazid called me offering me the opportunity to join him for a gig, few days later Fatazia was born.
If you’re early years were hard. How did you overcome the obstacles you faced?
When I first came to the UK I had a bit of a culture shock and I felt myself like an ‘alien’ in society but I always believed in myself and in people around me and that helped me to overcome all obstacles.
What was your biggest success/failure?
Failure sounds too strong to me. I faced up many problems in my life but I would not call that failure. (He thinks a little bit they say) My biggest success would simply be music; each public performance for me is a great success.
What is your favourite musician?
Aissa Djermouni is my very favourite. When I was younger me and my friends used to make fun of his music, but I realised later on that he was one of the pillar of the Algerian music. (For those who do not know; Aissa Djermouni is a Chaoui (ethnic minority in Algeria) singer and poet.
What are your current activities and your future plans?
Currently I am having some gigs in the UK and around Europe. I am also holding percussion workshops in some of East London‘s schools and colleges and perform as a DJ in many London clubs. In a near future Fantasia is thinking of producing another ‘fusion’ album and I am looking forward to it.
What message does your music carry?
Timeless wisdom
