Showbiz Arabia: Khalid: not your average Arabia pop singer

Khalid is not your average Arabic pop singer. Dubbed the King of Rai, the Algerian superstar has achieved the sort of international stardom that so many from the region tried, but failed, to achieve. While a lot of his fans still call him Cheb Khalid, the 53-year-old actually dropped the “cheb” (which means “young”) from his name back in 1992 for his first self-titled record.

With 11 albums to his name, Khalid is not short of songs, but there are a few hits that have remained with him as his best-known tunes over the years; mainly Didi and Aicha. Khalid’s latest album, C’est La Vie, which was released last year, also earned him a massive hit with the title single. The record saw him collaborating with hit producer RedOne and even features an appearance by Pitbull.

Recently, the singer was in Dubai to make a special appearance at Cavalli Club. He talks to tabloid! about what he has been up to.

Q: Welcome back to the UAE. You haven’t been here for a while.

A: Yes, thank you! It has been delightful returning to Dubai. I always enjoy spending time here.

Q: Before coming to Dubai you headed to Beirut for an appearance on X Factor Arabia. How was that?

A; I really enjoyed performing on the X Factor — it was a really fun night and the crowd was really fun. I loved it.

Q: It has been reported that you’re set to do a duet with X Factor judge Hussain Al Jasmi. Is that true?

A: Yeah, we have been in talks for a duo, and we chatted about it while there. I have previously worked with [fellow X Factor judge] Elissa, and it was great spending time with them.

Q: Are you a fan of these reality TV shows?

A: I tell you what; I wish back in the day there had been this sort of help for my generation through these kind of shows. I grew up listening to Rai in my country, and obviously it took time for people to really familiarise themselves with my music. It was much harder back then to cross boundaries.

Q: Your latest album, C’est La Vie, sold a million copies in Europe after only two months. Tells us more about it.

A: Well the lead single is also called C’est La Vie, and it focuses on messages of tolerance, love and peace.

Q: lebanese singer Nawal Al Zoughbi recently allegedly said that she doesn’t think you achieved worldwide fame.

A: Well clearly she hasn’t been on YouTube recently… tell her to log on and then she’ll know if I have gone international or not.

Q: You’re dubbed the King of Rai. Do you think there’s anyone else out there that could rival you in the near future?

A: [laughs] I wish. If God gives me a son, then maybe he can take over from me.