Moroccan Apple Festival Cancels Algerian Singer’s Concert Amid Online Backlash

The announcement by the organizers of the presence of Cheb Bilal at the National Apple Forum of Midelt had provoked a wave of criticism from many Moroccan internet users due to the statements made by the Algerian singer in 2016.

In an interview given in 2016 to the Algerian channel Echourouk, he had claimed that he did not "need" Moroccan nationality. This shocked the Moroccans. In addition, the singer had previously refused to wave the Moroccan flag during one of his performances at the Mawazine festival, further fueling the controversy.

Today, these old statements are catching up with Cheb Bilal. The National Apple Forum of Midelt has finally succumbed to the pressure of Moroccan internet users by canceling his participation in the event. It will take place from October 16 to 19 under the theme "Sustainable development of the apple sector in mountainous regions".