Moroccan Singer’s Collaboration with Algerian Influencer Sparks Cultural Controversy

The criticism continues for Zouhair Bahaoui. The publication by the Algerian Norene Harid of a new teaser for the singer’s new song "Magdar", in which she appears dancing to its rhythm dressed in a Moroccan caftan, has provoked the anger of many Moroccan Internet users. They accuse Bahaoui of having opened the door to Algeria to spread misinformation about Moroccan heritage. They also accuse the Moroccan singer of "exploiting" the tensions between Morocco and Algeria on online platforms concerning heritage to generate "buzz" and get a large number of views for his new song. The song’s clip already has over 13 million views on YouTube. Moroccan Internet users also question the singer’s real motivations.

The paternity of the caftan is often the subject of dispute between Moroccans and Algerians. Following the filing of a file by Algeria with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the recognition of Algerian traditional costumes, including the Moroccan caftan, the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication has filed a complaint with the same organization against its neighbor. Morocco is asking for the withdrawal of the image of its caftan from the Algerian file. The Ministry of Culture has contacted the Moroccan delegation to UNESCO to file an objection and a complaint against the Algerian file, which contained an image of a "Nata’ al-Fassi" caftan, trying to pass it off as an element of the heritage of the neighboring state, revealed a source to the site Al3omk at the department of Mehdi Bensaïd, specifying that this ministry has submitted a file to inscribe the Moroccan caftan in all its forms on the list of the intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO.

In 2021, Morocco registered the "Tbourida", and will register the "Melhoun" this year, and the Moroccan caftan next year on the UNESCO cultural heritage in 2025.