(Various Artists)/Putumayo Presents: Arabic Groove (1997-2000/2001)

A collection of dance tracks by the artists from North Africa (Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Morocco) and Middle East (Lebanon). Mainly consists of Algerian pops "rai" and Egyptian pops "al-jil". Contemporary dance music based on traditional Arabic music, but greatly influenced by hip-hop, R&B, funk and reggae. Includes "Kidda" by Natacha Atlas (the female vocalist from London. Ex-member of Jah Wobble and Invaders of the Heart and Transglobal Underground). Released from the American label Putumayo.