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Artist
Markunda Aurès, a woman of contrasts, was born in the Aurès, the land of the Shawi people in Algeria. A world apart with its own myths and symbols. Aurès, the most rugged part of Algeria with its highest mountains, has a rich culture and a proud history. The Shawis have fiercely defended their land and culture from invaders since the time of the Roman Empire. In Aurès, one gives and receives the name of its native land. Markunda, the name of her tribe, means a person from the land of ice and fire. Markunda's people were historically brave fighters but also famous musicians and singers specially "castrato". As a child, Markunda Aurès was fascinated by the women's songs which have accompanied traditional activities for centuries. And to maintain the bond with her early memories she began, fifteen years ago, to listen to hundreds of songs and tales, to gather them and to compose her own, following in the footsteps of her ancestors and their musical traditions. Markunda Aurès is a Paris-based psychologist and a travelling troubadour. Her lyrics in Shawi tell the ordinary life ofher Markunda's people. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.