Aïcha "Aïcha" ( eye-EE-shə, French: [a.iʃa]; Arabic: عائشة, romanized: ʿāʾisha, pronounced [ˈʕaːʔiʃa]; Algerian Arabic: عايشة) is a song written by French singer-songwriter Jean-Jacques Goldman, performed by Algerian raï artist Khaled. In 1996, the song was released as a single containing two versions: a French version and a bilingual version sung in both French and Arabic. The Arabic lyrics were written by Khaled. On his 1996 album Sahra, the bilingual version is featured. The song's music video, which also uses the mixed language version, was directed by Sarah Moon.
Contents
Lyrics
The song's lyrics are about a woman named Aïcha, who is being wooed by a man. He promises her pearls, jewels, poems, and other luxuries and romantic things, which she declines. The lyrics are all in French, as well as an Arabic verse sung by Khaled.
Track listings
German maxi-CD single
"Aïcha" (bilingual version) — 4:20
"Aïcha" — 4:20
"Sratli" — 4:33
Outlandish version
In June 2003, Danish hip hop band Outlandish released an English version of the song, "Aicha", that was included on their album Bread & Barrels of Water (2002). Their version was produced and performed by Mintman, along with the band. The song peaked at number one in Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, and Switzerland and became a top-10 hit in Austria, Flanders, and Norway. A video was also shot for the single.
Track listings
CD maxi
"Aicha" (4:37)
"Aicha" (Mintman Remix) (4:34)
"Aicha" (Instrumental) (4:08)
Outlandish feat. Majid & Asmaá – "El Moro" (5:24)
Other versions
The original song has since been remade by several singers and bands:
The French version was performed by Khaled with fellow Raï singer Faudel at the famous 1998 1,2,3 Soleils concert in Paris
Between 1996-1997, the Egyptian-born Brazilian singer Gilbert performed the song. The song was part of 1997-1998 Brazilian telenovela Por Amor soundtrack.
A zouk version was made by Kassav'
A salsa version was made by Africando
A cappella versions by Penn Masala, Stanford Raagapella, Alaa Wardi, and Aquabella
Indian/Dubai based singer, Rayshad Rauf adapted Outlandish's chorus part in one of his Mashups Don't,
A nasheed (Islamic) version by Omar Esa
It has been adapted to several other languages:
An Urdu version by Amanat Ali, titled Aaisha, was featured on the Pakistani Music program Coke Studio.
A French / Arabic version by Lobo Ismail with altered lyrics and added a uniquely composed Arabic language rap sequence Video on YouTube
An English rock version by Outlandish Video on YouTube
A Polish version by Magma Video on YouTube
A Malay version with bits of Arabic by Yasin, titled as Aishah Video on YouTube.