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)
- Even if your body enters into decomposition
- 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.
- "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."
Jacques Gaillot