Aïcha

"Aïcha" (عائشة,, ; عايشة) is a song written by French singer-songwriter Jean-Jacques Goldman, performed by Algerian raï artist Khaled. In 1996, the song was released as a single containing two versions: a French version and a bilingual version sung in both French and Arabic. The Arabic lyrics were written by Khaled. On his 1996 album Sahra, the bilingual version is featured. The song's music video, which also uses the mixed language version, was directed by Sarah Moon.

Lyrics / theme
The song's lyrics are about a woman named Aïcha, who is being wooed by a man. He promises her pearls, jewels, poems, and other luxuries and romantic things, which she declines.

The lyrics were all in French, as well as an Arabic verse sung by Khaled.

Track listings

 * French CD single and French Promo 12"
 * 1) "Aïcha" — 4:20
 * 2) "Aïcha" (version mixte) — 4:20


 * German Maxi CD single
 * 1) "Aïcha" (bilingual version) — 4:20
 * 2) "Aïcha" — 4:20
 * 3) "Sratli" — 4:33

Outlandish version
In June 2003, Danish hip hop band Outlandish released an English version of the song, "Aicha", that was included on their album Bread & Barrels of Water (2002). Their version was produced by the band along with Mintman. The song peaked at number one in Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, and Switzerland and became a top-10 hit in Austria, Flanders, and Norway. A video was also shot for the single.

Track listings
CD maxi
 * 1) "Aicha" (4:37)
 * 2) "Aicha" (Mintman Remix) (4:34)
 * 3) "Aicha" (Instrumental) (4:08)
 * 4) Outlandish feat. Majid & Asmaá – "El Moro" (5:24)

Other versions
The original song has since been remade by several singers and bands:
 * The French version was performed by Khaled with fellow Raï singer Faudel at the famous 1998 1,2,3 Soleils concert in Paris
 * Between 1996-1997, the Egyptian-born Brazilian singer Gilbert performed the song. The song was part of 1997-1998 Brazilian telenovela Por Amor soundtrack.
 * A zouk version was made by Kassav'
 * A salsa version was made by Africando
 * A cappella versions by Penn Masala, Stanford Raagapella, Alaa Wardi, and Aquabella
 * Indian/Dubai based singer, Rayshad Rauf adapted Outlandish's chorus part in one of his Mashups Don't,
 * A nasheed (Islamic) version by Omar Esa

It has been adapted to several other languages:
 * An Urdu version by Amanat Ali, titled Aaisha, was featured on the Pakistani Music program Coke Studio.
 * A French / Arabic version by Lobo Ismail with altered lyrics and added a uniquely composed Arabic language rap sequence
 * An English rock version by Outlandish
 * A Polish version by Magma
 * A Malay version with bits of Arabic by Yasin, titled as Aishah.
 * A Serbian version was made by Dragana Mirković and was titled Hajde pogledaj me (Come on, look at me)
 * A Korean version by Tony An titled Aisha
 * A Hebrew version, titled "Aisha" (עיישה), was written by Ehud Manor and performed by Haim Moshe
 * A Turkish version by Mutaf, titled "Ayşa"
 * A Turkmen version by Mekan Ataýew, titled "Aişa"
 * A Greek version, titled "M'aresei" (Greek: M'αρεσει), was performed by Kostas Bigalis. Video on youtube.
 * A second Greek version, titled "Alithia Sou Leo" (Αλήθεια σου λέω), was performed by Stamatis Gonidis in 2006
 * A Spanish / Arabic version titled "Aicha" by Amistades Peligrosas
 * A Croatian version was made by Duško Lokin. Song title is Aisha.
 * A Norwegian version titled Aisha" was made by Emiré og Lillebror
 * A Breton version, Aisha, was made by Manau.
 * A techno, Oriental, acoustic-guitar version was performed by guitarist Muayad Jajo in Sulaimaniya in August 2014, published by Elite Studios.
 * A German version titled Aicha by Moe Phoenix
 * A Mandarin Chinese version titled Aicha by Ayisha Elseenya on youtube