Letter of August 1st 1998
from Jacques Gaillot


 



The rebelious singer


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The rebelious singer


Lounès Matoub, a man of freedom and a herald of Berber culture was treacherously murdered in his homeland.
"Whatever happens, he used to say, Kabylie is my homeland. I know that one day I shall fall at the hand of murderers, but I prefer to die among my own people."
I was fortunate enough to meet him on two occasions and I was struck by his determination: he ould resist to the end. Music was his weapon.
I admire his combat: he dared to confront those in power by defending the cause of the Kabyle people and by opposing the arabasition law.He condemned integrism which according to him was a "destroyer of stars". He became the chanter of secularisation and of democracy. How can it surprise us that he was killed for what he sang and lived ? His death is a reflection of what constituted his life.
Lounès reminds us that freedom has a high cost, it is an every day struggle. He acted in accordance with his convictions and not in accordance with his interests.
 
The echo of a great voice cannot be quelled. "Even if they kill me, they will not be able to silence me":
    "Companion of the Revolution
    Even if your body enters into decomposition
    Your name is Eternity
    Go in peace, we will not give in
    Whatever may occur
    We will always be one of yours.
    The tomb awaits us all
    Today or tomorrow
    We will join you
    We will not allow adversity
    To break our will
    Your death is our promise" (1)
     
Already Kabylie has reinforced its combat for the official recognition of the Berber language.
Lounès Matoub, the rebellious singer, will for a long time continue to make
himself heard.
(1) Words taken from one of Lounès Matoub's songs.






Jacques Gaillot




 





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