Franco-Algerian Singer Faudel Defends Controversial Song Praising Morocco’s King

"I performed this song to thank Morocco. I did it with heart, without pretension and without wanting to provoke any controversy related to politics. It’s just a simple gift as a gesture of gratitude to Morocco," Faudel explained during a press conference, assuring that he had no intention of creating tensions with his country of origin, Algeria.

He who acquired Moroccan nationality in 2011, following a decree by King Mohammed VI (Dahir), married a Moroccan and has Moroccan children, praises Moroccan hospitality. "Morocco is a country that welcomed me, this symbolic gesture is intended to thank it. I wanted to show my gratitude towards the kingdom and its king," added the performer of ’My country’, before insisting: "As an artist, I sing in many countries around the world, I do not want to get into trouble with my country. I did not target Algeria by paying tribute to Morocco and its king."

The singer concluded: "My song ’Chokran’ is simply a humble gift as a sign of gratitude towards Morocco, which is a country with great traditions, a beautiful history and which is used to welcoming, with open arms, people from everywhere. [...] paying tribute to a country does not in any way mean denigrating another."