Algerian Rai Star Cheb Khaled Faces Backlash at Home, Embraced in Morocco Concert

Boycotted in Algeria, Cheb Khaled gave a concert on Thursday during the "Fun" festival in Casablanca. True to their habits, many Algerians took advantage of this occasion 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 was attended by many Moroccan spectators. The latter welcomed him and expressed their support. Morocco is his second country, they affirmed, insisting that art and politics should not be mixed.

For many years, many Algerians have held a grudge against Cheb Khaled, a native of Oran married to a Moroccan, because of his proximity to certain Moroccan leaders, particularly King Mohammed VI. He also holds Moroccan nationality. In 2019, he had faced criticism from Algerians because of the song he had composed for the Moroccan national team, as part of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN Egypt). He had also been criticized for the appearance of the Moroccan flag in the music video of the tribute single entitled "Ismouha Beyrouth" ("She is called Beirut") in solidarity and support for the Lebanese people following the deadly double explosion that occurred on August 4, 2020 in Beirut.

Last February, the global icon of more than 40 years, in a video posted on social media, addressed his compatriots who in the meantime accused him of renouncing his origins and his homeland in favor of Morocco, whose interests he favors. "I remain Algerian, and if I have offended anyone, it was not intentional... I apologize to everyone," the singer said, adding that he will remain Algerian, no matter what. "No one can uproot me from my homeland, whatever happens. We are all brothers and may God have mercy on the martyrs."