Faudel (b. Faudel Belloua on 6 Jun 1978 in Mantes-la-Jolie, France), is a singer of Algerian descent - considered, by many, the "Prince of Raï". He grew up in the suburbs of Paris, where he picked up his musical talents from his grandmother who taught him traditional Algerian music. His first public singing experience was during a family wedding celebration in Oran, Algeria. Faudel started to cover the popular tracks by Cheb Khaled and Cheb Mami at 12, after which he soon fronted the popular band "Les Etoiles du Raï". His debut album, Baida, catapulted him to fame. He has .