Abderrahmane Abdelli, born on April 2, 1958, in Aafir, Algeria, is a renowned Berber singer-songwriter, composer, and author. His musical journey began in the aftermath of the Algerian War of Independence, during which his family was displaced. Settling in Dellys, Abdelli crafted his first guitar from an oil can, wood, and fishing line, and was later introduced to the mandol by Chaabi master Chaïd Moh-Esguir.

Abdelli's career took off at the 1974 Algerian Independence festival in Kabylie, where he made his debut. Despite early challenges, including an unsuccessful album in 1984 and financial disputes with a record company, he persevered. Moving to Belgium in 1984, he collaborated with producer Thierry Van Roy, who was captivated by Abdelli's music and explored the roots of Berber musical traditions.

His music, a fusion of traditional North African sounds with modern influences, has gained international acclaim. Abdelli's albums, such as "New Moon" (1995) and "Among Brothers" (2003), highlight his commitment to preserving Berber culture. He has performed at major festivals like WOMAD and toured extensively across Europe, the US, and Canada.

Abdelli's collaborations span continents, incorporating diverse instruments like the Peruvian cajón and the Ukrainian bandura. His work, characterized by poetic lyrics about cultural identity and resilience, continues to inspire audiences worldwide.