Algerian-Born Singer Faudel Embraces Moroccan Citizenship, Reflects on Career

In a long interview given to the site Alyaoum24 (see the video at the end of the article), the "little prince of raï" evokes his meteoric success when he was not yet 18 years old, in particular with the songs "Tellement nebrik" or the tour, "1,2, 3 soleil", with Khaled and Rachid Taha. "It was very difficult for me to go out at the time. Even Khaled and Rachid Taha were used to it, older than me, while I was not at all. Today, I’m more relaxed, I don’t have bodyguards, the public loves me and greets me. I’m able to manage this relationship with the public."

He also talks about his crossing of the desert, for several years, before returning to the forefront of the scene, with the songs produced by the Moroccan RedOne. "I wanted to take a step back, breathe a little, rest. Psychologically, it’s a lot better. Today, I’m able to manage, I have time to find songs, to record."

The singer never runs out of praise when it comes to talking about Morocco. "Everyone knows that I love Morocco and that I spent my vacations in the Kingdom. And one day, I met His Majesty (as part of the campaign with Najat Aatabou, "Here you are at home, welcome to your country"). It was an honor for me, as an Algerian, and I had the chance to sing for His Majesty [...]. One day, I got a phone call asking me if I would be happy to get Moroccan nationality. I answered with pleasure and I was very very happy. I got it in 2011..."