Born in Algiers in 1955, of mixed Persian and Arabic origin, resides in France. Formed his first group in 1975. In 1981, he formed a duo and adopted an image that was quite rare for the time: he spent the 1980s swathed in a turban, deliberately going against what was then the normal practice. His unconventional appearance did not deter the critics, who responded enthusiastically to his playings.

In 1982 the well-known English magazine New Musical Express listed him among the ten best guitarists in the world. During this period he was in fact living in London, where he worked with Velvet Underground's muse, Nico, on the albums Drama of Exile 1 &2, and was acclaimed for his virtuosity.