Taha said radio stations had "become like dinosaurs"

Taha, who lives in France, said Western radio stations were more restrictive in what they played than their counterparts in the Middle East.

In particular, he said they refused to air political songs.

"You hear no political songs on the radio in Europe - just Britney Spears and that sort of thing," he told the BBC World Service's The Music Biz show.

"Censorship is actually stronger in the West," he said. "Western leaders lead us to believe we are free to express our views - when actually we're not.

Taha is currently on a world tour

"Radio stations have become like dinosaurs," said the star, who sings in Arabic and French.

Taha said he understood the lives of people in the Middle East and said the "daily reality" of an average European person was not that different.

"Even though we live in a democracy, we still have to fight," he added.

"My message to Arabic youth is important, because I'm saying it from here in Europe - it's important for them to understand that we are with them in the West."

Taha is currently in the middle of a world tour but said it was often difficult for north African musicians to play shows in some countries, including France.

Low priority

"I'm one of the few who can tour. Many are left by the side of the road," he said.

"If we don't play in Africa, it's because there's no structure over there to go on tour.

"The priority for many people in Africa is to eat, or to go to school. So music is the last of their worries."

Taha's music blends north African roots with rock, punk and electronica and his latest album, Tekitoi, includes a cover of The Clash's Rock The Kasbah.

With his 1980s group Carte de Sejour, Taha was heavily influenced by Algerian rai - folk music originating from his home city of Oran.