French Rapper Booba’s Casablanca Concert Canceled Amid Controversy

The prefecture of Casablanca notified the organizers in writing of its refusal to authorize them to organize the event at the Mohammed V Sports Complex. The request, filed on March 21, 2023, was examined by the regional security committee of the prefecture on March 22, but it "did not succeed," according to a letter dated May 28.

This event comes in a context of controversy around Booba, whose real name is Élie Yaffa. Indeed, the Moroccan Lawyers’ Club filed a complaint against the rapper for "defamation and insult against Moroccan women." The president of the club explains having received many requests to act and, after studying the elements in his possession, decided to initiate legal action against the artist.

The incriminated songs contain statements considered offensive towards Maghrebian, particularly Moroccan, women. Among the lyrics in question, we find in particular "I only go to the shisha bar for Arabs" and "the little Moroccan f*** Berlusconi".