Berber women ululating at the singer's funeral

Algeria witnessed what were described as unprecedented scenes of public grief as the singer was buried in the garden of his home in the mountain village of Taourirt Moussa.

"Words fail me to describe what is happening here," an Algerian radio correspondent said in a Berber-language report from the village.

Algerian radio report on Lounes Matoub's funeral (in Berber)

"You should perhaps see for yourself to understand the extent of the sadness of the thousands of people who have formed a gigantic crowd spreading all round, in and outside the village and in the streets leading to Matoub's home.

"I have seen many fainting, including men, women, the elderly, youngsters and children."

The sound of Lounes Matoub

The correspondent's report was punctuated by sounds of people crying and women ululating.

As his body was lowered into its grave, the singer's sister was quoted as saying: "Lounes Matoub is born today".

Algeria's Prime Minister appeals for calm and self-restraint

The funeral, which was dominated by Berber people, was conspicuous for the lack of any official government presence.

But Algeria's Prime Minister, Ahmed Ouyahia, appealed to the Berber minority to show "self-restraint", as the thousands turned out to pay their last respects.

Angry youths take to the streets in protest

Extra security forces had been deployed in the Berber regions of Algeria following two days of rioting in the aftermath of the singer's death.

At least two people died and public buildings were burned.

Mr Matoub was shot dead when suspected Islamic militants tried to stop him at a roadblock, but demonstrators have accused the authorities of being responsible.

His songs criticised both the military-backed government and Islamic militants.