Marhaba Band

The Marhaba Band was a 1970s Tunisian psychedelic rock and funk group known for its fusion of traditional Arabic music with American soul and funk influences. 

Musical Career and Impact:

Signature Sound: Their music is described as powerful psychedelic rock fusion funk sung in Arabic.

• Key Release: In 1978, the band self-released its only single featuring the tracks "Gharib Charid" and "Baba Bahri".
• Formation of Carthago: Members of the Marhaba Band (Hechmi Miliani and Kamel Sellam) teamed up with members of the band Dalton to form Carthago in the late 1970s. This new group further evolved their sound by incorporating disco elements.
• Live Performances: During their peak, they frequently performed at clubs and hotels across Tunis and Sousse, notably playing regular gigs at the Marhaba Hotel. 

Band Members:

According to historical credits, the lineup included:

• Hechmi (Hechmi Miliani): Lead guitar and vocals
• Kamel (Kamel Sellam): Synthesizer, violins, and vocals
• Dédé (Hedi Ben Ali): Bass guitar and vocals
• Claude (Claude Chiarello): Drums and vocals
• Fouka (Taoufik Sellam): Piano, organ, and backing vocals