Cheikha

Cheikha is a feminine title derived from the Arabic word sheikh, traditionally used to denote a respected older woman or leader. The feminine form, cheikha, is used across North Africa to address or honor elder women and, in particular, to denote female authority within families, tribes, and communities. In modern popular culture, the name Cheikha is often adopted as a stage name by female performers in raï and other North African music styles, signaling both gender and regional identity.

In music, Cheikha is closely associated with raï, a popular genre that originated in Algeria and blends traditional Maghrebi music with contemporary Western influences. The title is used to acknowledge a woman’s status and artistry within a tradition historically dominated by men. One of the most well-known bearers of this title in music is Cheikha Rimitti, an Algerian raï singer who emerged in the mid-20th century and is widely regarded as a pioneering figure in the genre. Her songs combined traditional Algerian and Saharan influences with contemporary themes, and she helped bring raï to wider audiences in North Africa and Europe.

Today, Cheikha remains a culturally significant title in North Africa, reflecting both ancestral respect and the continuing visibility of women in music, leadership, and public life. While most commonly associated with raï, the term can appear in other contexts to denote a respected older woman or female authority figure.