Many Algerian singers, notably raï stars, are popular in Algeria, but also in Moroccowhere they have a lot of fans. Cheb Billal is one of them.
Invited to a festival in Morocco, Cheb Bilal targeted by calls for boycott
This singer, whose real name is Bilal Mouffok, was born in 1966 in Cherchell, Algeria. Although his career took off a little earlier, it was from the end of the 1990s that his songs had resounding success in Algeria, but also in Morocco.
This singer was also invited, on October 19, to sing as part of the National Apple Forum in Midelt, Morocco. However, although he is not at his first gala in the Kingdom, this time his presence has raised a lot of controversy.
Cheb Bilal persona non grata in Morocco
Indeed, Cheb Bilal now seems to be persona non grata in Morocco. The announcement of the Algerian singer’s participation in this Moroccan festival revives old controversies that some Moroccan Internet users have not been able to forgive.
On social networks, posts are flying from all sides asking the organizers of the forum to remove Cheb Bilal from the list of participants and to put local singers in his place.
The reason? Mainly comments made by the singer in 2016 on the television channel Echourouk, after being questioned about his desire to have Moroccan nationality.
“Moroccan nationality? What will I do with it? »
“To do what with it? », replied the Algerian raï star, adding that he could only accept it if it gave him access to certain advantages and freebies. This response seems to have offended more than one person in Morocco, making Cheb Bilal’s participation in this festival which will be held in Midelt unacceptable in their eyes.
“Cheb Bilal is unwanted in Morocco! We do not forget all those who insulted our country,” wrote a user on Facebook. “Cheb Bilal participated in many events in Morocco, but he was not grateful to the hand that fed him, now we must boycott him,” says another.
“How can you receive this singer after what he said about Morocco? », asks journalist Redouane Ramdani, calling on the organizers of the Midelt apple forum to show a little “self-love”.
Call to boycott Cheb Bilal: a reaction to the imposition of visas on Moroccans by Algeria?
Some Internet users were, however, cautious, recalling that the singer tried to make up for it by declaring that “Moroccan nationality is in his heart”, also noting that these declarations are dated and that it is “fishy” to bring them out now.
Indeed, according to some Internet users, this controversy surrounding the arrival of Cheb Bilal is only a simple reaction to the latest decision by the Algerian authorities relating to the obligation to have a visa for Moroccan nationals wishing to enter Algeria.
There is even a petition which has been launched and which calls for a boycott of Cheb Bilal, clearly displaying the visa issue as an argument.
“It is unacceptable that Algerian artists, including Cheb Bilal, can come and perform in Morocco and benefit from the people’s money, while Moroccans themselves are now subject to restrictions to enter Algeria,” we read on the text of this petition launched on the Mes Opinions website.
