A nuba from the Arab-Andalusian tradition of Algiers, in the zidane mode, with Nuba Zidan by Beihdja Rahal on CD.
Arab-Andalusian music was born in Muslim Spain and then flourished in the Maghreb. In Algiers it is called sanâa. Beihdja Rahal, a singer and kouitra player, is one of its great voices.
This CD, released by Inédit, a world music collection, is devoted to her with Nuba Zidan. A nuba is a suite of pieces linked together in a single mode, here the zidane mode, from the instrumental prelude to the sung pieces.
This Andalusian music record is aimed at lovers of the Maghreb’s classical music, and at anyone who wants to discover this living heritage of Algiers.
Review written by the Air d’Orient team · Updated on 19 September 2026
We have read buyers’ feedback on the CD Nuba Zidan by Beihdja Rahal to pick out what comes up most often, good and not so good.
Where we lean: to discover the Arab-Andalusian music of Algiers through one of its great performers, it is a very good record. For a wider approach, see the Al Andalus compilation below. And find our whole selection in our Arabic music section.
Arab-Andalusian music can be discovered through records and books. Here is how Nuba Zidan compares with three other references.
| Title | Size | Approach | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuba Zidan Beihdja Rahal · Inédit |
CD | A nuba of Algiers | Listening to a performer |
| Al Andalus Harmonia Mundi |
CD | Compilation | An overview |
| 13th-century music Pan Classics |
CD | Early repertoire | The origins |
| Arab-Andalusian Music Actes Sud |
Book | History | Understanding |
The Al Andalus compilation offers an overview of several traditions. It suits a first discovery. Nuba Zidan dives into a single nuba of Algiers.
The 13th-century Arab-Andalusian music CD explores the medieval origins of the repertoire. It will appeal to the history-curious. Beihdja Rahal lets you hear the living tradition.
The book Arab-Andalusian Music published by Actes Sud explains the history and forms of this music. It is a companion to listening to the record.
A suite of vocal and instrumental pieces linked together in a single musical mode, from the prelude to the fast movements at the end. Each nuba takes the name of its mode.
It is the name of Arab-Andalusian music in Algiers. Tlemcen and Constantine have their own schools, the gharnati and the malouf.
An Algerian singer and kouitra player, an instrument close to the lute. She has recorded many nubas from the Algiers tradition.
Find all our music in our Arabic music section.
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| Artist | Beihdja Rahal |
|---|---|
| Size | CD |
| Label | Inédit |
| Collections | Find this product in our collections: |
Arab-Andalusian music can be discovered through records and books. Here is how Nuba Zidan compares with three other references.
| Title | Size | Approach | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuba Zidan Beihdja Rahal · Inédit |
CD | A nuba of Algiers | Listening to a performer |
| Al Andalus Harmonia Mundi |
CD | Compilation | An overview |
| 13th-century music Pan Classics |
CD | Early repertoire | The origins |
| Arab-Andalusian Music Actes Sud |
Book | History | Understanding |
The Al Andalus compilation offers an overview of several traditions. It suits a first discovery. Nuba Zidan dives into a single nuba of Algiers.
The 13th-century Arab-Andalusian music CD explores the medieval origins of the repertoire. It will appeal to the history-curious. Beihdja Rahal lets you hear the living tradition.
The book Arab-Andalusian Music published by Actes Sud explains the history and forms of this music. It is a companion to listening to the record.
Review written by the Air d’Orient team · Updated on 19 September 2026
We have read buyers’ feedback on the CD Nuba Zidan by Beihdja Rahal to pick out what comes up most often, good and not so good.
Where we lean: to discover the Arab-Andalusian music of Algiers through one of its great performers, it is a very good record. For a wider approach, see the Al Andalus compilation below. And find our whole selection in our Arabic music section.
A suite of vocal and instrumental pieces linked together in a single musical mode, from the prelude to the fast movements at the end. Each nuba takes the name of its mode.
It is the name of Arab-Andalusian music in Algiers. Tlemcen and Constantine have their own schools, the gharnati and the malouf.
An Algerian singer and kouitra player, an instrument close to the lute. She has recorded many nubas from the Algiers tradition.
Find all our music in our Arabic music section.
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