Up until Coronavirus lockdown, millions of Algerians hit the streets of cities across the country (and beyond) for an entire year demanding change. Most notably a new generation of millennials and Gen Z were, and still are, at the forefront.
Although they didn’t live through the country’s independence war and “Black Decade”, for the first time in decades, young Algerians—wherever they live—are emerging from the shadow of French rule and the Bouteflika-era, carving out their own narrative for the future. By breathing new life into the ever-evolving landscape of their country, this new wave of young people are using creativity as their own act of protest.
In celebration of Algeria’s independence day, we spotlight a new generation of forward-thinking, game-changing creatives. Here are seven Algerians you need to know.
Neïla Romeyssa
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Although she’s currently studying in Paris, 22-year-old Romeyssa regularly travels to her home country, where she lived until she was 18. As the founder of platform @commun.exil, she uses words and photography to explore the joy and struggles of the complex identity of Algerians today. PS. she also has a great sense of style.
Youcef Krache
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
A self-taught photographer, 32-year-old Krache uses black and white street photography to offer a sincere scope of realism on the social landscape of contemporary Algeria. Uncompromisingly raw, his photography distils the pain and chaos of Algerian life into something pure.
Lyna Khoudri
27-year-old French-Algerian actress Lyna Khoudri recently won a French Ceasar for her acclaimed performance in Papicha, a film that follows Algerian female freedom fighters. This Fall, she will play alongside Timothée Chalamet in Wes Anderson’s new film. Khoudri is about to take over the world.
Karim Sayad
Born in Switzerland, film director Sayad returned to Algeria in 2007 – a trip that inspired his first feature documentary ‘Of Sheep and Men’. Exploring the topic of Algerian masculinity in a country adrift in political turmoil, Sayad’s films are powerful, emotional and captivating.
Lolo Zouaï
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Alternating cheeky and angelic vocals no wonder everyone’s so into French-Algerian singer Lolo Zouaï at the moment. Joining Dua Lipa on her next tour, she’s the rising star to watch.
The Confused Arab
If you spend a lot of time online, The Confused Arab may already be on your radar. If not, it’s time to follow him. Using Instagram to document our rich and complex history, the Dubai-based Algerian artist and creative director’s work explores our emotional attachment to Arab culture and iconography.
Mohamed Bourouissa
Born in Algeria, world-famous photographer, artist and curator Mohamed Bourouissa is famed for his documentation of marginalised communities. Having exhibited at the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris and the Venice and Sharjah Biennale, Bourouissa also shot last season’s Louis Vuitton campaign as well. As a curator, Bourouissa is also committed to spotlighting rising diasporic talents coming from the region.
