Cérémonie en l’honneur du moudjahid artiste Akli Yahyaten
Celebrating Akli Yahyaten: A Tribute to an Algerian Artistic Pioneer
On a recent Wednesday, the Algerian Public Television (EPTV) hosted a heartfelt ceremony in Algiers to honor the esteemed artist and Moudjahid, Akli Yahyaten. This event recognized his significant artistic contributions and his pivotal role during Algeria’s liberation struggle.
At 92 years old, Yahyaten was celebrated during a special artistic gathering held at the El Aurassi Hotel, aligned with the upcoming National Artist Day, celebrated annually on June 8. The event was attended by the Director General of Algerian Television, Mohamed Beghali, alongside numerous artists who expressed deep admiration for Yahyaten’s art and dedication.
The ceremony is set to air on the second day of Eid al-Adha on Channel 4 (TV4) of Algerian public television. Various young artists participated in the event, including Yahyaten’s daughter, Nora, along with Abbes Nait Rzine, Nordina, Kamel Aziz, Makhlouf, and Kamel Gharbi. They performed an array of the artist’s passionate songs.
During the event, Yahyaten expressed his gratitude for the recognition from the post-independence generations, stating, “I have done everything to serve Algeria and fulfill my national duty, as Algeria needed all its children for its independence.” He recalled his involvement with the French federation of the National Liberation Front (FLN), revealing how he frequented cafes and restaurants to collect financial contributions for the liberation struggle. Yahyaten emphasized his commitment to performing patriotic songs that fostered love for the homeland and raised awareness about a nation yearning for liberation.
Kacem Bahmani, the director of TV4, remarked that the tribute to Yahyaten symbolizes seventy years of creativity and dedication. He underscored the importance of recognizing that the Algerian Revolution united all societal categories, including artists. Bahmani highlighted the event as an opportunity to reminisce about the extraordinary contributions of great figures in authentic Algerian art, emphasizing their role in preserving national memory.
Born in 1933 in Tizi Ouzou, Akli Yahyaten became involved in revolutionary actions from an early age. His activism led to multiple arrests by the French occupation forces, particularly after they discovered his fundraising activities for the FLN. Yahyaten’s musical repertoire includes timeless songs that have captivated audiences, beginning with his first track, “Djahagh Bezzaf,” written during his imprisonment in 1959 due to his political activities. Other notable songs include "Zrigh Ezine di Michelet" and "Thamourt Idourar." His masterpiece, "El Menfi," poignantly narrates the plight of Algerians exiled in New Caledonia, making it one of the immortal pieces of Algerian musical heritage.
The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of Yahyaten’s significant contributions to the arts and the collective spirit of Algeria’s fight for independence. His artistic legacy continues to inspire and resonate with generations, underscoring the vital role artists play in shaping national identity and remembrance. By celebrating Yahyaten, Algeria not only honors the individual but also reinforces the cultural threads that bind the nation in its shared history and aspirations.
