About

Moh Alileche (pronounced ali LESH) & his ancient ancestors

Moh was born and raised in the Mountains of the Kabylia region of Algeria. From his village, at the age of 9, he taught himself to play traditional Amazigh (Berber) music on a hand-made-single-stringed instrument (see photo below), evolving to a guitar and later to the North African 10-silkstringed mandol or "agember" in Tamazight language.

His talent on "agember" grew, soon he became known in his region for his skills as a musician, singer and songwriter, resulting in his very first radio (channel 2) interview in 1980 with hosts Medjahed Mouhoub and Mohamed Rachid in the capital city of Algiers.

Since his move to the USA in 1990, Moh has a captivated many American audiences with his authentic style. He has participated in a variety of events, including San Diego State International Festival UC Berkeley International Spring Festival, and San Francisco World Music Festival. After the release of the first CD, Tragedy in 2000, several Northern California radio stations have interviewed Moh, including KPFA 94.1 in Berkeley and KALW 91.7 in San Francisco. In 2001, some of his music was incorporated in a movie documentary entitled "The Visionary".

As he moves on to new projects, Moh wishes to continue promoting the music and culture of his Amazigh ancestors of North Africa, bringing their joys and struggles to consciousness of even broader international audiences.
------------------------------------------

Imazighen ( Berbers )

The word Berber as used in English is borrowed from the French word "Berbere". The French thought that it came from Arabic, but in reality it refers to Barbarus (foreigner) or someone living beyond the Roman Circle. However, the native people of North Africa call themselves Imazighen in plural, Amazigh singular, meaning "Free People".

The origin of Imazighen (first known inhabitants of North Africa) seems to be a mystery. Research has produced an abundance of educational speculation, but no definitive solution. Paintings of over 5000 years old are the most complete existing record of prehistoric North Africa (Tamazgha). Imazighen were invaded by, among others, Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantine, Arabs, Turks and French.
-----------------------

Links about Imazighen, their culture and history.

http://www.ee.umd.edu/~sellami/DEC95/review2.html
http://www.amazighworld.org/tamazgha/culture/language/index.php
http://www.en.original-people.eu.org/urfolkeng2.shtml

Libya: http://libyamazigh.org/history.htm
Canary Islands: http://www.clanrossi.com/Canary%20Islands.htm
Siwa (Egypt): http://ancientneareast.tripod.com/Siwa_Oasis.html
Tunisia: http://www.africanfront.com/conflict6.php
Tamasheq (Twareg): Tuareg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Morocco: http://www.wafin.com/driss.phtml
Algeria:
http://www.legiscomex.com/BancoConocimiento/M/mdo_algeria/mdo_algeria.as...