Casbah of Algiers
Hsissen was born at 15 rue Monthabor in the Casbah of Algiers to a modest family, originally from Maâtkas (Tizi Ouzou Province). From a very young age, he was interested in the "chanson" style and the works of composer El Hadj M'Hamed El Anka. He also respected and admired the work of Khelifa Belkacem. At the age of 23, he formed an orchestra. Hsissen combined his love of music with activism with the Movement for the Triumph of Democratic Liberties and the National Liberation Front.