Renowned Algerian singer Rachid Taha passed away on Tuesday at the age of 59. He suffered a heart attack at his France residence. “It is with regret and immense sadness that his son Lyes, his family and relatives, his friends and his record label Naïve, announce the death of artist Rachid Taha, following a heart attack overnight at his home in the Lilas [near Paris],” read the statement sent to AFP. Taha was one of Algeria’s most famous Rai singers. Born in Algeria, he immigrated with his family to France when he was ten years old. He gained fame in France in 1980s, fronting the Carte de Sejour band with its unique blend of Western punk rock and Algerian Maghrebi music. As a solo artist, Taha shot to international stardom with the remixed version of “Ya Rayah”. He was preparing to launch a new album in 2019.