Son of Late Moroccan Singer Naïma Samih Threatens Legal Action Over Unauthorized Tributes

"We confirm that we will take all necessary legal measures to protect her rights and consideration, including legal proceedings before the competent authorities, now and in the future, for any tribute organized without our agreement," warned Chems-Eddine Belkaid, son of the late Moroccan singer Naïma Samih, in a statement published on his Facebook account.

These threats follow the circulation on social media of posters and promotional publications announcing the organization of a concert in France during this month of April in tribute to the singer, with ticket sales to the public. However, no mention was made of coordination with the family of the illustrious deceased or prior authorization from the authorities concerned with protecting her artistic rights. This has raised heated controversies.

In a statement to Hespress, a close source confided that Chems-Eddine Bellkaid is not opposed to the principle of paying tribute to his mother, he simply demands that it be done within a legal framework, taking into account the status that the deceased represents in the hearts of Moroccans and in the memory of national song.

A major figure in Moroccan song, Naïma Samih died on the morning of March 8, 2025, at the age of 72 after a long illness. She began her career in the 1970s. She performed throughout the Maghreb and beyond. Considered one of the best female voices in modern Moroccan music, she was the third Arab singer to perform on the prestigious stage of the Olympia in Paris in 1977, after Oum Kalthoum and Fayrouz. The essential songs of her career include, among others, "Jrit ou jarit" and "Ala Ghafla".