The singer K’naan, propelled to stardom in 2010 by his song Wavin’ Flag, appeared Thursday at the Quebec courthouse for sexual assault. The alleged facts allegedly occurred during the artist’s appearance at the Quebec Summer Festival in 2010.
• Also read: K’naan accused of sexual assault in Quebec: the Summer Festival collaborated with the police
According to the indictment on file, an arrest warrant was issued on September 20 against the 47-year-old artist.
The events allegedly occurred “between July 16 and 17, 2010,” in Quebec City. The Canadian-Somali singer performed that evening as the opening act for the international group Black Eyed Peas on the Plains of Abraham. According to our information, the event did not take place on the sites of the Summer Festival.
K’naan, real name Keinan Abdi Warsame, faces one count of sexual assault. The plaintiff in the case was in her late 20s at the time, according to court documents. No details have been released regarding the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.
The accused, residing in Brooklyn in the state of New York, was not present during his appearance, being represented by his lawyer. He remains at liberty during the proceedings.
Me Laurence Juillet indicated that she would like a preliminary investigation to be held where three witnesses will be heard. The proceeding will be held next April and will be in English according to the choice of the accused. A trial before judge and jury is then expected to be scheduled.
Photo PHILIPPE-OLIVIER CONTANT
Global success
Warsame rose to international fame in 2010 when his song Wavin’ Flag became the official song chosen by Coca-Cola for its advertising campaign. The giant was the main sponsor of the Soccer World Cup in South Africa.
The video of the success has 533 million views on YouTube.
The artist won two Juno Awards that year, for artist and composer of the year.
His last album was released in 2012, but the singer made a comeback last year with a song about the refugee crisis. Refugee earned K’naan the Grammy for Best Song for Social Change.
A prize Tuesday evening
He was also rewarded by SOCAN (Canadian Society of Authors, Composers and Music Publishers) just Tuesday with the “Cultural Imprint” award for his song Wavin’ Flag.
Asked by the Journal, SOCAN management said it “fully supports the ongoing legal process” and will not make any further comments.
Away from music, K’naan presented his directorial debut at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier in September. However, he must perform as part of a benefit show in support of Gaza on October 6, in Chicago.
With the collaboration of Cédric Bélanger.
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