Une chanson d'enfance
‘Mahlaki ya el Blida' was a popular chansonette (little song) in Blida that was sung in 'colonie de vacances' (summer youth camps). The song was also sung during youth and school festivities. ‘Mahlaki ya el Blida’ was written by the great artist and singer Abderahmane Aziz (Rahimahou Allah). Since it became such a popular song it is now very much part of Blida's artistic repertoire.
Instrumental chansonette
This is a modern take on the traditional and nostalgic Mahlaki ya el Blida chansonette. With original sounds of the Blida Souk and the celebrational ‘You Yous’ from a wedding in Blida, you will be transported to the town through old memories. This version has a Mediterranean feel with the warm melody of the initial classical guitar leading you into a lively, upbeat instrumental version of the song which builds towards the end, with a relaxed repetition of the chorus, as sung by generations of Blida children and adults alike.
Original Lyrics (in Arabic and English)
Mahlaki ya el Blida
How pleasant you are Blida!
Ya el Ghalia ya el Ourida
As you are dear to my heart my pretty flower
Fiki el Henna wel Kheir
In you I find contentment and goodness
Fiki Sidi el Kebir
In you I find Sidi el Kebir
Fiki Dahmane Ben Achour
In you I find Dahmane Ben Achour
Ou Driassa el Mechhour
And the renowned Driassa
How pleasant you are Blida!
Ya el Ghalia ya el Ourida
As you are dear to my heart my pretty flower
Fiki el Henna wel Kheir
In you I find contentment and goodness
Fiki Sidi el Kebir
In you I find Sidi el Kebir
Fiki Dahmane Ben Achour
In you I find Dahmane Ben Achour
Ou Driassa el Mechhour
And the renowned Driassa