Cheb Mami is an Algerian-born raï singer.

Cheb Mami's most notable attribute is his vocal range, often quoted as being three octaves. As a result of this, his vocals often appear "female" to western ears. He sings in both French and Maghribi Arabic.

As well as recording many straight rai songs, Cheb Mami has achieved crossover success with the hip-hop remix of his track "Parisien du Nord" on his album Meli Meli and also with the backing vocals on Sting's hit "Desert Rose".

Mami's latest recording is the album Dellali, produced by former Chic guitarist Nile Rodgers. Coincidentally, the album's lead single is entitled "Le Rai C'est Chic" - although the word is used in the original French sense.

Selected discography

• Live at Bataclan (2004)
• Raï Masters/Lazrag Saani (2003)
• Le Meilleur (2003)
• Dellali (2001)
• Douni El Bladi (1998)
• Meli Meli (1999)
• Saida (1995)
• Let Me Raï (1990)