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Aïcha. Aïcha. Aïcha. Who, in all the world, could resist you after Algerian master Cheb Khaled laid his soul bare with this gushy, weepy, awesome-ness filled love ballad that rose to the top of the charts across Africa and Europe in 1996? It makes us here at Okayafrica all want to pull our lovers into dark corners for lascivious acts. Or maybe that's just me.

Meanwhile, Khaled is willing to give it all away. He sings:

"Aïcha take: all is for you.

Here, the pearls, the jewels,

also the gold around your neck

The fruits, well ripe with the taste of honey

And my life, Aisha if you love me!..."

But alas, her response:

"Keep your treasures,

Me, I'm worth more than that.

Bars are still bars even if made of gold.

I want the same rights as you

and respect for each day,

Me I want only love."

Smart lady. And yet we'll take the money, jewels, and life-long loyalty, too.

Hear the song salsa-fied, and sung in Wolof  the Africando Allstars, below:

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