Platinum selling Algerian rapper Soolking, recently took the US by storm during his debut North American tour as he performed at historical US venues such as New York’s Apollo Theatre and Los Angeles Globe Theatre, where his blend of rap music and North Africa's traditional Maghrebian folk sound had fans dancing and singing along throughout his performance.
The 32-year-old performer of the hit single "Suavemente" which has once again topped France’s songs chart expressed gratitude towards his followers who came to watch his performance, especially at Harlem’s esteemed venue responsible for launching the careers of global icons such as Billie Holiday and Aretha Franklin.
“I never thought that one day I would come here to sing,” said Soolking, further describing the Apollo Theatre as a “mythical hall like Paris’ Olympia where so many legends have performed.”
Speaking on the motivation behind a multi city US tour which also included scheduled performances in Houston, Chicago and Washington, the platinum selling artist said this tour speaks to his interests of expanding his global reach regardless of nationality or language spoken, adding, “I’m going to look for what’s human because in the end music is feeling.”
26-year-old Sarah Hammadi who traveled from New Jersey to catch the show expressed pride watching Soolking perform in front of a large New York crowd.
“It’s amazing to see someone from our country in New York City and their name in lights,” said Hammadi, adding, “It is amazing, he is really representing Algeria.”
Hammadi’s sentiments are supported by 18-year-old Dilla who said the platinum selling artist brought Algeria to the US.
“It feels like you’re back at home,” said Dilla, adding, “He’s such a pop icon in our country, this brings warmth to our hearts.”