Five years ago, on May 2, 2020, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the world lost the incredible Idir at the age of 71. This iconic figure left behind more than just catchy tunes—he created a cultural legacy that continues to inspire and uplift generations.
Born Hamid Cheriet on October 25, 1945, in Aït Lahcène, Ath Yenni, a village in Tizi-Ouzou province of Algeria, was the son of a shepherd and grew up steeped in Berber traditions and culture. He kicked off his musical journey at an early age, playing the shepherd’s flute in the Djurdjura mountains. Although he initially pursued a degree in geology with dreams of entering the oil industry, destiny had other plans for him.
At 24, he took the plunge into the artistic world, fueled by a deep love for the poetry and songs of his Kabyle homeland—especially the fables and verses passed down by his mother, Chavha, the poetess who shaped his artistic spirit.
Fast forward to 1973, when Idir was performing as a substitute for singer Nouara on Radio Alger. He delivered a lullaby titled “Rsed A Yidess,” which became his first hit on the radio. Shortly after, he recorded “A Vava Inouva,” a song that would gain worldwide acclaim, being broadcast in 77 countries and translated into 20 languages. This unexpected success marked the launch of his musical career. After completing his military service, he moved to France in 1975 to dive deeper into his artistic pursuits.
Idir is celebrated for revitalizing Amazigh music and shining a spotlight on Kabyle culture. His discography features eleven studio albums, including “A Vava Inouva” (1976), “Les Chasseurs de Lumières” (1993), “Identités” (1999), “Deux Rives, Un Rêve” (2002), “Entre Scènes et Terres” (2005), and “La France des Couleurs” (2007). He collaborated with a host of international artists, including Manu Chao, Dan Ar Braz, Maxime Le Forestier, Karen Matheson, and Geoffrey Oryema. He also shared the stage with legends like Charles Aznavour, Henri Salvador, Patrick Bruel, and celebrated Algerian musicians like Khaled and Cheb Mami.
In 2018, after nearly four decades away, Idir made a historic return to Algeria, performing two unforgettable concerts in Algiers to celebrate Yennayer, the Amazigh New Year.
Idir passed away in Paris on May 2, 2020, due to pulmonary fibrosis and was laid to rest at the Père-Lachaise Cemetery. In 2021, a statue of the artist was unveiled in the village square of his hometown of Ath Lahcene to commemorate the first anniversary of his passing.
In recognition of his legacy, a square was named in his honor in Toulouse in October 2022, and an Idir Square was inaugurated in the 20th arrondissement of Paris in December 2023.
