The title of Mami's new album, Layali, says it all. Layali means "nights", and in this case specifically the long hot nights of the buzzing Egyptian capital, Cairo, where the majority of the tracks on this new album were recorded. To mark the 25^th anniversary of his career, the Little Prince of Raï boldly set out to conquer "Oum Eddounia", the Mother of the Universe, better known as Egypt, the artistic hub of Arabic culture for centuries.

Mami has always claimed that the future of Raï depends on its ability to mix with other musical styles from the four corners of the earth. And on Layali he takes his fusion prowess one step further than usual, bringing together two worlds that rarely meet: the Maghreb (North Africa) and the Machrek (the Orient).

Musically speaking, Layali features a vibrant melting-pot of musical influences where western-style pop weaves in and out of jeel (Oriental pop). "Kid" Mami even invites the mega-star of Arab pop, Kadim Al Sahir, to guest on a song with him. Hot new French R&B stars Leslie and K-Maro also appear on Layali, the latter teaming up with Mami for a hardhitting duet on Nos Couleurs, a call to brotherhood and fraternity.

Cheb Mami's record label may be billing Layali as a Raï album. But it might best be described as a compilation of the world's most compelling dance rhythms to date.