Reda Taliani, real name Réda Tamni, is an Algerian Raï singer and musician.

Born in 1980 in the El Biar neighborhood of Algiers, to a family originally from Constantine, Reda Taliani grew up in the city of Koléa in the Tipaza Province. He was given the nickname Taliani (The Italian) due to the way he dresssed, and has had that nickname since age 8.

His musical career began at age 5 when he joined the Andalusian Music Conservatory of Koléa. There, he learned to play a number of musical instruments and excelled greatly at the mandolin. He started listening to Raï music at an early age and was quickly drawn to its sound. He would eventually give up the more traditional Andalusian Music and focus on entirely on Raï.

Reda Taliani released his first Raï song in 2000 titled ‘Ache Dani Elwahd Tayra’ with the label Edition El Eulma. He stayed with label until 2004, when he signed with Dounia Edition. It was there that he would get his first mainstream success with the release of the song ‘Joséphine’ in the summer of 2004. Since then, he has released a number of popular hits in Algeria including ‘Les Algériens des Kamikazes’ and ‘Khobz Dar.’

He has collaborated with French rap group 113 on their album 113 Degrés with a song titled ‘Partir Loin’, with French rap group Rappeurs d’Instinct on a song called ‘Cholé Cholé’ and with French rapper Tunisiano on ‘Ca passe où ça casse.’

Since his meteoric rise to fame and success, Reda Taliani has often been asked to perform all over the world. He now performs on average 150 times a year. This is just the beginning for Taliani.

Was a great success, the new players mixed in nicely with the players from last years Arab Cup, great atmosphere in the locker room, very positive. The new players are talented and great additions to the team.

Who were the new players and what did you think of them?

Two Swedish Algerians, Ali Khaldi an experienced guy, big, intelligent, and Felix Chougui, skillful young player who played in Swedish Division 1 last season. Two young guys from France, Ali Chenini and Jordi Abbas, bring lots of energy to the team, two very experienced brothers Karim and Mourad Chaiblaine, another experienced guy from France Bachir Aghroud, a young goalie from London only just turned 16, Khalid Abdulwahid, and an aggressive young defender Akim Bouchabane who I like alot and think can be a great player for the future.

Being there from the start, what was it like to be part of the first ever victory?

wow was an amazing feeling, I felt so proud, still get a nice feeling inside when I think about it. Was the first but many more to come inshallah.

So what next for Team Algeria?

Arab Cup, African Nations Cup, exhibition games, events in Algeria, not sure yet really but we’ll know in the coming weeks.

Who is the AJOAH and what is their conflict with the AAIIH?

They are a small group of players who were on last years Arab Cup team and didn’t like how things were managed so decided to form their own association. They’ve formed this association which they’re well within their rights to do, however we do have a problem with some of the claims they’ve made publicly, but I wont discuss that as it may involved legal proceedings. Too make it clear thought we are the original founders from 2006.

There were some reports you were dating Amelle Berrabah from the Sugababes, any truth in this?

No, I’m not sure where the story came from, but I was contacted by a couple British newspapers about it, and someone from The Mirror newspaper was on my personal facebook page scouting me out, and had a couple of her fans message me.

Now time for some questions from the public

“how did u get into hockey?” asked by Nour

When I was 13 I was playing NHL on the Sega Megadrive and all the fighting and hitting amused me, on my birthday I asked my mum to take to see a live game and to my suprise it really happened, I loved it and started to skate.

“have u got a girl friend” asked by Djouher

haha no I don’t.

“where would you like to be with this few yrs down the line” asked by Mona

Personally or the Algerian team? Well I’d like to see Algeria in the division 3 World Championships…

“Why is did you chouse ice hockey as you favourite sport” asked by Siham

I like contact sports, and once I started playing I couldn’t get enough.

OK thanks for you time Karim.

Team Algeria won their first ever game in an exciting exhibition game against French division 1 team Viry-Chatillon. Down 5-4, Team Algeria equalised late in the 3rd period  with Harond Litim scoring on a penalty shot, and with minutes left  Felix Chougui scored the game winner, ending 6-5.

Other scorers were Ali Khaldi and Karim Chaiblaine scoring two on his debut.

240 professional photos of the game can be seen at http://www.pascalchapuisphotosports.com/phpwebgallery/index.php?/category/126

A few examples of Pascal Chapuis’s great shots:

Team talk

Algerian captain Harond Litim with Rai n b fever singer Amine who dropped the puck in the first game.

New boy Akim Bouchabane

Harond Litim on the attack

We have also added some new videos to our YouTube channel @ http://www.youtube.com/user/HockeyAlgeria

Everyone is welcome to come and give support to the Algerian team for both training sessions and the two games.

More info at the official website of the Association Algerienne de Inline et Ice Hockey http://www.hockeyalgeria.com

Highlights include-
A three course Halal buffet meal in Hilton’s Westminster Suite
Charity Auction
Entertainment (by Moroccan Nasheed group)
An opportunity to assist those in need and find out more about the cases MYUK help

Auction Items (so far)-

-Weekend away at Villa in Spain
-Professional Hair and makeup (zen) makeover worth over £150
-Hummingbird Bakery cakes
-Beautifully decorated Islamic literature
-Elaborate blue lengha

Doors open at 7pm.

-Ticket Price is £30

Seats are limited, please book and buy tickets beforehand to avoid disappointment.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Sahar either by phone or email

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