Democratoz

Democratoz, founded in 2011 (by artist Sadek Bouzinou), is a music band originating from Oran, Algeria. Democratoz’s music is a mix of Gnawa influences, reggae, and rock. The groove and instrumentation are of reggae, while the vocals have a more Eastern quality. Although the group might seem in its essence as a reggae band, their music draws on elements of Oran's famous rai music as well as other pop and traditional styles from the Maghreb, sub-Saharan African music, rock, and more. They're also inspired by classic reggae’s socially conscious lyrical spirit.

There is a definite reggae beat, repetitive refrains and strong vocals mixed with the mystique of North African instruments. It's easy to listen to, difficult to put into a category. This is the eight-man band, Democratoz; part of a new generation of Algerian musicians, pushing boundaries, blending Algeria's rich music traditions with modern influences from around the world.

The Name

The roots of the word ‘Democratoz’ are [Democracy] and [Toz], the latter is a compounded suffix that means “less”. The whole name means a lack of democracy. This firm political statement the band spreads through its name lies under an understanding of the political situation in Algeria and in the world. The history of Algeria’s prolonged state of emergency has also been a source of musical inspiration for the group. Musical freedom was just one of several activities restricted under the tight censorship that existed at the time. The band’s seven members all agree on this definition and this diagnostic of their political and social environment, and they all have the same mentality of resistance and the will to change.  

Socially Engaged Band

Democratoz defines itself as more than a music band. Its members are artists and social activists at the same time. In 2011, the band came to existence as a form of artistic & political activism, which shows directly in their music and lyrics. In 2013, Democratoz joined and organized charity concerts for Dounia Association to help and collect funds for handicapped children. In 2016, the band continued its support to unprivileged Algerian children, by curating a charity concert for the children of Ighzer Amokrane.

In the same year, Sadek created "Khima Kabira" Collective which means "The big tent" to help the children of Oran's bidonvilles: (shanty towns built of oil drums or other metal containers).

Moreover, the band is not only engaged in what concern children rights and well being. In 2016, the band joined several music groups defending and raising awareness about immigrants in Africa and the World. In June 2016, the lead vocalist Sadek Bouzinou organized a barefoot march during "Ramadan" as a symbolic peaceful demonstration under the name of "The Clean Land". The march was to bring up the rights of artists, to fight injustices and humiliating practices that artists and citizens of Algeria and the world encounter on a daily basis.

Band Members

• Sadek Bouzinou - (Lead Vocals) | Founder (2011-present)
• Popay - (Electric Guitar, Percussion and Back Vocals) | (2011-present)
• Amine Marley-(Bass) | (2011-present)
• Nassim Slimani - (Electric Guitar, Percussion and Back Vocals) | (2011-present)
• Fares Benlechehb - (Tenor Sax and Percussion) | (2011-present)
• Mehdi Lil G - (Keys With Computer/Sampler and Back Vocals) | (2011-present)
• Mohamed Zarouati - (Drums) | (2016-present)

Influences and TV features

The group's sound is their own fusion of Algerian rai, African gnawa with more universal sounds like reggae, jazz and rock. Traditional Algerian instruments; karkabou (castanets), gallal (a long, narrow drum in clay), jembe (traditional guitars) and bendir (frame drum) enhances the North African touch, while the lyrics in colloquial Arabic about hope and despair add another dimension. In mid-July the group hits the U.S. with a month long tour, spanning from west to east coast, as part of a cultural exchange program by NEFA, promoting musical and cultural exchange between borders.

The group was featured in many TV and Radio programs, most importantly with the pioneer of Gnawa music and former member of the renowned band Gnawa Diffusion, Amazigh Kateb in his TV show "C Son Show". The band was also featured in an Emission spéciale en Algérie par TV5 Monde. The band was also featured through its main vocalist Sadek Bouzinou in "Studio Live" show on El Djazairia TV CHANNEL perfoming "Dounia" a track from their upcoming album produced by Thala Films Production and arranged by renowned musician and maestro Jean Alain Roussel.

During their latest tour in USA, the band was featured in several Radio sessions, notably the WFMU Radio Station, in New Jersey as well as Radio Constantine as well as other radio stations specialized in reggae and roots music.

Featured Concerts and Tours

The US Tour

Democratoz was hosted by the Center Stage from July 14 - August 7 to perform on several stages in the US. most importantly:

• Reggae on the River Festival, Redway, CA -USA 2016
• The Grammy Museum, Los Angeles, CA -USA 2016
• Huntington Arts Council Summer Arts Festival  -USA 2016
• Concert at Shrine, New York, NY -USA 2016
• John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Millennium Stage Washington, DC-USA 2016
• Outside the Box Festival Boston, MA - USA 2016

Other Stages and Festivals

• Festival Retour aux Sources, Théâtre de Verdure Hasni Chakroun - Oran 2015
• Exposition du Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Oran – Andalouses 2015
• Festival Culturel International de l'été en Musique - Alger 2015
• Beirut & Beyond International Music Festival – Beyrouth – Liban 2014
• Fête de l’Independence – Esplanade de Riad El Feth – Alger 2014
• 3ème Edition de la Biennale Méditerranéenne d’Art contemporain – Alger 2014
• Concert contre le Cancer – Salle Ibn Zeidoune – Alger 2014
• BD Concert – Centre Culturel Français d’Oran – Oran 2014
• 1ère Édition du festival “MAWAHIB”, Salle Atlas Salle Atlas – Alger 2013
• Karama 4 Human Rights Film Festival – Centre Culturel Royal, Amman 2013
• Festival d’Ahaggar – Tamanrasset - 2013
• Serial Taggeur Show – Théâtre National de Constantine – Constantine - 2012

Local Stages

Democratoz has performed in most of the music bars and clubs in their city Oran, as well as famous music venues in Alger the capital and the cosmopolitan city of Algeria.

References

This article "Democratoz" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.

---