The group started out with four musicians, Philippe Collas, José Larraceleta, Olivier Carol and Stéphane Seiller. The year the group formed, they went on tour in Algeria, playing in Bedjaïa in Kabylia. The trip confirmed their will to create a crossbreed of the two musical cultures, but it was the lyrics, all-important in Tayfa's music, and almost exclusively penned by Farid, which gave the group's repertoire its politically militant slant. Whether in Kabyle, Breton or French, the group is intent on expressing the suffering of the Algerian people whilst at the same time cultivating its joyous brand of music, written by all the group's members.

In 1994, the group brought out their first album, "Tayfa". They took part in numerous local music festivals in Brittany, but soon became known nationwide. But it was above all with the release of their second CD at the beginning of '98 that they received critical acclaim. The album, "Awal" (meaning "word" or "speech"), is resolutely hopeful in spirit, and the group's unique blend of Celt and Kabyle music is infused with rock and reggae rhythms. The cultural diversity of each group member is also drawn upon: the Caribbean bassist brings a groovy feel, the Spanish guitarist, José Larraceleta, from Asturia, adds a Andalusian-Arabic touch, whilst Jacques Moreau, who for ten years has accompanied a dancer from Togo, adds - despite being Breton - the African element. Last of all, the bombarde player, David Pasquier, the most recent addition to the group, brings a joyous Fest-Noz (a traditional Breton festival) atmosphere to the ensemble.

Besides their countless dates in Europe, the group visited the United States in July to take part in the 1998 "Vive la World" tour, together with Rachid Taha and the Orchestre National de Barbès. Tayfa performed in New York, Washington and Los Angeles before returning home for a tour of Brittany (which kicked off at the end of July).

On February 29^th 2000 Tayfa rocketed back into the music news following the release of their third album "Assif". The group then set off on tour, stopping off to perform at the "Chorus des Hauts-de-Seine" festival in the Paris region.

May 2000