What is Rai music?

Rai music, also known as Raï, is a popular music genre that originated in Algeria in the 1920s. It is characterized by a blend of traditional Algerian music with Western influences, particularly from rock, pop, and electronic music. Rai music often features electric guitars, synthesizers, and drum machines, along with traditional instruments such as the gasba (a reed instrument) and the bendir (a frame drum). The lyrics of Rai songs often deal with themes of love, loss, and social issues. Rai music has become popular throughout North Africa and the Middle East, and has also gained a following in Europe and North America.