by RUPERT BOTTENBERG

The primary purpose of Groove Arabica!, something of a grand finale for the 2004 Festival du Monde Arabe, is simply to get the crowd dancing. A closer look, however, reveals not only a fusion of North African sounds and Western funk, but just how much they have in common, especially in Montreal.

"To create an original and explosive blend of North African roots, I decided to reunite artists from different musical backgrounds, like châabi, raï and gnaoua," explains Chafik Aghilès, composer, producer and mastermind of Groove Arabica!.

"I also wanted to take into consideration the fact that all artists involved live in Montreal and that therefore their art is exposed to various influences, like jazz, soul or funk music. The unifying element of the show - which can be seen as the key or the link between all the different styles and influences - is the rhythm."

That unifying element personified is Nacer-Eddine Aissaoui, around whom the show is built. Formerly known as Cheb Dino, Aissaoui has made his mark across Canada as an ambassador of the funky Arabic pop style raï. "For the release of his first solo album, he decided to record brand new, original material, composed and arranged according to his state of mind and tailored to his personality," explains Aghilès, who is guiding Aissaoui's CD. "For him, this new CD represents a rebirth as a North African-Canadian singer. For this reason, he is no more Cheb Dino. He will perform from now on as Nacer-Eddine Aissaoui, his real name."

Aissaoui, who showcases material from the new CD this weekend, will be joined by dancers, a full band and local guests - Nazih Bouchareb of Salaam and Karim Benzaïd of Syncop. The former trades in mystical Moroccan gnaoua, the latter in raï and hip hop. Their presence helps cement the comparisons between gospel and gnaoua, chäabi and the blues, raï and rap.

"Indeed," says Aghilès, "originally raï, R&B and hip hop had this common similarity. All tended to express marginal opinions that were not the expression of the majority - even if all these terms have lost their specificity, joining gradually the mainstream."

At Théâtre Corona on Saturday, Nov. 13, 8 p.m., $25

>> Music Listings