Algerian Singer Defies Boycott Calls, Continues Morocco Tour Amid Political Tensions

Kader Japonais does not intend to let political tensions between Algeria and Morocco take precedence over his career. The Algerian artist continues to give concerts and perform at private parties in clubs and hotels in Morocco. Next week, he will be in the kingdom again to perform at a famous restaurant in Casablanca, according to Hespress.

The raï singer has stopped sharing visuals of this upcoming event in Morocco on his social media to avoid potential attacks from Algerian or Moroccan internet users. Despite calls to boycott his concerts, launched by Moroccan activists following the rise in tensions between Algiers and Rabat, Japonais continues to count on the Moroccan public.

Last June, the artist had yielded to pressure from Algerian authorities and canceled his concert in Morocco at the last minute, which was scheduled as part of the Mawazine Rhythms of the World festival, leading organizers to replace him with popular song star Saïd Sanhaji.

In recent months, campaigns to boycott concerts by Algerian artists have been launched by Moroccan activists. Several organizers have responded to this call. As a result, singer Amine Babylone saw his concert canceled during the 18th edition of the Timitar festival in Agadir. The same happened to Algerian singer Chaba Warda and singer Cheb Bilal.