Franco-Algerian Singer Faudel Sparks Controversy with Comments on Algerian President

In an interview with the Moroccan radio station Aswat, a journalist had asked Faudel what he would say to the Algerian president if he gave him 3 to 5 minutes. "Come have a cup of tea in Morocco. I’ll welcome him and take him on a motorcycle ride," the raï singer had replied. This response had provoked reactions from Algerian Internet users, including the nephew of his friend Cheb Khaled, who declared on Facebook that Algeria was a "red line" not to be crossed. For some Algerian Internet users, it is a lack of respect towards Abdelmadjid Tebboune in particular and Algeria in general. Others speak of betrayal and call for a boycott of his music.

Faced with the controversy, the interpreter of "my country" posted a video on social networks in which he specifies that he is of Algerian origin, born in France, but that he has a Moroccan heart. The one who has held Moroccan nationality since 2011 also assured that his intention was not to insult the Algerian president and that he respects everyone.