Cheikha Rimitti : Rai diva dies

-- Shortly after the release of her new album "Nta Goudami" (Face Me), the Algerian diva, 83, died in a Paris hospital with a heart attack.

Rimitti was still an active performer and recording artist. She was to appear at the BBC Proms season in August.

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The rai godmother was born in Tessala, a small village in the countryside of western Algeria. She was the first women voice to denounce through rhythmic poetry and songs women's repression in society.

She has long been a legend to whom all young rai singers have owed their freedom of expression as well as their linguistic and moral rebelliousness.

Her brilliant career stretches back to the 1950's. She was the spokesperson of the Arab Maghreb population. Her songs focused on everyday struggle of living, pleasures of sex and love, alcohol, friendship and war, all performed in the everyday language of the streets. --