Cheb Bilal – Hablatek: A Song of Love and Regret

Cheb Bilal is a popular Algerian singer of Raï music, a genre that blends Arabic, African and Western influences. He started his career in the early 1990s and has released more than 20 albums since then. One of his most famous songs is Hablatek, which means “talk to me” in Arabic.
Hablatek is a song of love and regret, where Cheb Bilal expresses his feelings for a woman who left him. He asks her to talk to him and tell him why she broke his heart. He also blames himself for not being able to keep her happy and loyal. He sings:
Hablatek had chira nebrigha / Talk to me, I want to know why
Makaditchi ana wana jayeb / You didn’t say anything and I brought you
Hablatek had chira nebrigha / Talk to me, I want to know why
Makaditchi ana wana jayeb / You didn’t say anything and I brought youWach dani lel ghorba / What did I do to deserve this exile?
Wach dani lel ghorba / What did I do to deserve this exile?
Wach dertili fiha / What did I do wrong?
Wach dertili fiha / What did I do wrong?
The song is a mix of Arabic and French lyrics, reflecting Cheb Bilal’s bilingualism and cultural background. He was born in Oran, Algeria, but moved to France in 1989. He is known for his social and political activism, as well as his musical talent.
Hablatek was released in 2008 as part of Cheb Bilal’s album Ya rabi Amine. The song has been streamed more than 6 million times on YouTube and more than 2 million times on Spotify. It has also been recognized by Shazam as one of Cheb Bilal’s top songs. Hablatek is a song that resonates with many listeners who have experienced love and loss.
Cheb Bilal is not only a singer, but also a songwriter and composer. He writes his own lyrics and music, often collaborating with other artists and producers. He has worked with names such as RedOne, Khaled, Faudel and Cheb Mami. He has also performed in many countries and festivals, such as the Festival of Sacred Music in Fes, Morocco, and the Festival of World Music in Nantes, France.
One of the themes that Cheb Bilal explores in his songs is the identity and integration of immigrants in France. He sings about the challenges and opportunities that they face, as well as the discrimination and racism that they encounter. He also expresses his love and nostalgia for his homeland, Algeria, and his hope for peace and justice in the world.
Hablatek is a song that showcases Cheb Bilal’s vocal range and emotional expression. He sings with passion and sincerity, conveying his pain and longing for his lost love. He also uses traditional instruments such as the oud, the darbuka and the violin, creating a rich and authentic sound. Hablatek is a song that touches the hearts of many people who can relate to its message.
Cheb Bilal has been praised by critics and fans alike for his originality and versatility. He has been described as “the voice of the people” and “the prince of Raï”. He has also received several awards and nominations, such as the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act in 2005 and the Algerian Music Award for Best Raï Artist in 2010.
Hablatek is one of the songs that demonstrate Cheb Bilal’s artistic vision and talent. It is a song that transcends language and culture, and speaks to the universal human experience of love and loss. It is a song that will remain in the memory of many listeners for a long time.