Algerian Singer Cheb Khaled Faces Backlash for Attending Moroccan King’s Ceremony

Algerians are still angry with Cheb Khaled. They blame the Algerian singer for his presence at the allegiance ceremony to King Mohammed VI in Tetouan last Wednesday and his participation in a reception organized in honor of the sovereign on Tuesday in the context of the festivities. Especially the statements he made to Medi1 TV on the sidelines of the allegiance ceremony. "I have the honor of being present on the occasion of the feast of accession to the throne. It is the duty of everyone and may God prolong the life of the king," rejoiced the king of raï music and global icon for more than 40 years. This provoked the anger of many of his compatriots. They called on the Algerian authorities to take the necessary measures against Cheb Khaled, to ban him from entering his country and to ban the broadcasting of his songs on official channels and radios.

For many years, many Algerians have had grievances against Cheb Khaled, a native of Oran married to a Moroccan, because of his proximity to certain Moroccan leaders, in particular 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 football (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 of the Lebanese people following the deadly double explosion that occurred on August 4, 2020 in Beirut.