Boycotted in Algeria, Cheb Khaled gave a concert Thursday during the “Fun” festival in Casablanca. True to form, many Algerians took advantage of this opportunity to attack and insult him. Insufficient to undermine the morale of the king of raï. On the web, he documented the details of his preparations for the evening, and shared with his subscribers the atmosphere of the concert, which many Moroccan spectators attended. They welcomed him and gave their support. Morocco is its second country, they said, insisting that art and politics should not be mixed.
Read: Boycotted in Algeria, Cheb Khaled in concert in Morocco
For many years, many Algerians have been angry with Cheb Khaled, a native of Oran married to a Moroccan woman because of his proximity to certain Moroccan leaders, notably King Mohammed VI. He also has Moroccan nationality. In 2019, he faced criticism from Algerians because of the song he composed for the Moroccan national team, as part of the African Football Cup of Nations (Egypt CAN). He was also criticized for the appearance of the Moroccan flag in the video clip for the tribute single entitled “Ismouha Beirut” (“Her name is Beirut”) in solidarity and support for the Lebanese people following the deadly double explosion that occurred on the 4th. August 2020 in Beirut.
Read: Cheb Khaled criticized in Algeria after his appearance with the King of Morocco
Last February, the world icon for more than 40 years, in a video published on social networks, addressed his compatriots who in the meantime accused him of denying his origins and his homeland for the benefit of Morocco, whose he prioritizes interests. “I remain Algerian, and if I offended anyone, it was not intentional… I apologize to everyone,” said the singer, adding that he will remain Algerian, despite everything. “No one can uproot me from my homeland, no matter what. We are all brothers and may God have mercy on the martyrs.”
