Mohamed Abdennour
Mohamed Abdennour | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1960s Algeria |
| Other names | Ptit Moh |
| Occupation(s) | Composer, arranger, instrumentalist |
| Years active | 1983–present |
| Known for | Fusion of diverse musical genres with chaabi traditions; virtuoso of Algerian mandole (mondol) |
Mohamed Abdennour, professionally known as Ptit Moh, is an Algerian composer, arranger, and instrumentalist residing in France, celebrated for his fusion of diverse musical genres with chaabi traditions.
Early life
Esteemed as a virtuoso of the Algerian mandole or mondol, Ptit Moh ranks among the foremost virtuosos of this essential instrument within Châabi music. While in France, he has partnered with a wide range of musicians, providing accompaniment, performing in ensembles, and arranging pieces for theater and cinema. His repertoire encompasses genres such as rap, ragga, reggae, jazz, and raï. In addition to the mondol, he demonstrates proficiency on various North African stringed instruments including the banjo, oud, mandolin, sintir, guitar, and laúd.
Biography
Abdennour's exposure to string instruments began at age eight, mastering instruments like the mandolin, mondol, banjo, and guitar. At 17, in 1983, he encountered Amar Ezzahi, a distinguished figure in Algerian chaâbi music, and started collaborating with him two years later, honing his mandole skills. Around 1994, during Algeria's "Black Decade" when Ezzahi ceased performing, Abdennour relocated to Paris.
In the French capital, Ptit Moh performed oriental music at weddings and cultural events, working alongside groups such as Alabina, Chico and the Gypsies, and contributing to Idir’s album Identités. He also collaborated with Safy Boutella and participated in composing film soundtracks. In 1999, he joined the Grenoble-based band Gnawa Diffusion at the invitation of Amazigh Kateb for their album Bab El Oued Kingston, which merged elements of rap, ragga, reggae, jazz, and raï. His involvement extended to Desert Rebel’s 2006 release and continued with Gnawa Diffusion until their dissolution in 2007. Subsequently, he worked with Kateb on the solo album Marché noir and toured internationally.
After Gnawa Diffusion disbanded, Abdennour initiated the "Ptit Moh Project," blending jazz, world music, and chaabi influences. In 2015, he contributed mandole and guitar performances to the theatrical show "Renayates" featuring Houria Aïchi. He arranged tracks for Malya Saadi’s 2013 album "Ya Bhar" and participated in producing Idir’s final album released in April 2017.
In 2014, Ptit Moh collaborated with flamenco guitarist Juan Carmona in Algiers and Marseille to combine chaâbi with flamenco styles—a collaboration that remains active. As a composer, he has crafted music for Medina, Gnawa Diffusion, and Chico and the Gypsies. Additionally, Ptit Moh holds the position of artistic director for the El Gusto Orchestra.
Discography
Mohamed Abdennour has contributed as a session musician or ensemble member on numerous recordings:
- 1999: Sahara (Alabína)
- 1999: Identités (Idir)
- 1999: Bab El Oued Kingston (Gnawa Diffusion)
- 2002: Uni-Vers-Elles (Djur Djura)
- 2002: Guerouabi el Hachemi (Guerouabi El Hachemi)
- 2002: DZ Live (Gnawa Diffusion)
- 2003: Souk System (Gnawa Diffusion)
- 2006: Fucking Cowboys (Gnawa Diffusion)
- 2006: Desert Rebel (Desert Rebel)
- 2007: Ishumars Les Rockers Oubliés Du Désert (Desert Rebel)
- 2009: Marchez noir (Amazigh Kateb)
- 2011: Des Racines Et Des Chants (Nassima)
- 2015: Dark En Ciel (Sarah Riani)
External links
- Images of Ptit Moh (Mohamed Abdennour) with a mondol.
- Picture of Ptit Moh holding an oud.
- Photograph of Ptit Moh alongside a banjo.
- Interview featuring Mohamed Abdennour from the Liberte-Algerie news outlet.
- News article concerning Mohamed Abdennour.
- Coverage about the Ptit Moh Project.
- Article referencing his father, a prominent figure in Algerian boxing.
- Profile on his father’s boxing career.
