Biography
Reda City 16 (real name Reda Hamimed) is a multifaceted Algerian artist renowned for his contributions as a rapper, actor, screenwriter, and entrepreneur. He has been a prominent figure in the Algerian entertainment industry since the mid-1990s, recognized for his dynamic presence in music, television, and business ventures.
Music Career
Reda City 16 began his music career in 1995, becoming one of the pioneering figures in Algerian rap. Over the years, he has released more than 30 albums, selling over 4 million copies. His music often blends traditional Algerian sounds with contemporary rap, resonating with a broad audience. Notably, his 2010 album “Viva l’Algérie”, dedicated to the national football team, achieved significant success with over 300,000 copies sold and more than 7 million views online. The song “Allah Maâkoum” from this album topped charts on various channels, including El Djazira and MBC .
Acting and Screenwriting
In addition to his music career, Reda City 16 has made notable contributions to Algerian television. He participated as both an actor and writer in the series “Ahwal Al-Nas” (People’s Affairs), with seasons airing in 2020, 2021, and 2025 . His involvement in these series has showcased his versatility and commitment to storytelling in Algerian media.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Beyond entertainment, Reda City 16 has established himself as a successful entrepreneur. He holds a degree in International Trade and has launched several businesses under the “City 16” brand in Algiers:
City 16 Moda: A men’s fashion boutique in Dely Ibrahim.
City 16 Phone: A mobile phone store at Didouche Mourad Street.
City 16 Women: A women’s fashion boutique in Draria.
City 16 Food: A restaurant venture.
These enterprises reflect his dedication to merging art with commerce, aiming to inspire Algerian youth through creativity and entrepreneurship .
Social Media Presence
Reda City 16 maintains a significant presence on social media platforms, engaging with a vast audience:
Instagram: Over 1.6 million followers.
Facebook: More than 9 million followers.
YouTube: Approximately 1.2 million subscribers.
His content spans music, lifestyle, and promotional material for his various ventures, solidifying his status as a prominent influencer in Algeria .
Legal Challenges
In October 2018, Reda City 16 was arrested and placed in pre-trial detention at El Harrach prison. He faced charges including blackmail, threats, extortion, possession of counterfeit currency, and money laundering, allegedly in connection with the case involving blogger Amir DZ. His family publicly defended him, emphasizing his patriotism and contributions to Algerian culture, and called for his release, citing a lack of substantial evidence .
In February 2019, the Algiers Court of Appeal reduced his sentence to four months, leading to his immediate release, as he had already served the full term .
Personal Life
In March 2023, Reda City 16 shared a photograph with his daughter on social media, which garnered widespread attention and admiration from fans, highlighting the personal side of the artist and his connection with his audience .
Summary
Reda City 16 stands as a significant figure in Algerian pop culture, seamlessly blending music, acting, and entrepreneurship. Despite facing legal challenges, his influence and contributions to the arts and business sectors remain impactful
, reflecting his multifaceted talent and resilience.