Cheb Khaled to Algerians: I’m Moroccan & it’s None of your Business

Marrakech – After frequent and fierce criticism from Algerians, Algerian singer Cheb Khaled made his Moroccan identity clearer by saying to an Algerian audience, “I’m Moroccan and it’s none of your business”.

The singer, who obtained the Moroccan citizenship by royal decree in August 2013, strongly defended his Moroccan nationality in front of a large audience at a recent concert in Algiers, according to Moroccan news outlet Hespress.

The singer’s expression of his feelings toward Morocco came after he sang the song “Al Andalusi”, which has Moroccan rhythms. Reportedly, the audience could not bear it, and booed and hissed him.

Going further, Cheb Khaled teased the audience more, repeating some expressions that highlighted his Moroccan identity, such as “I’m Moroccan”, “I’m Rabati”, and “I’m from Oujda”. The audience considered these to be provocative political messages.

The Algerian public opinion has shown their disapproval of Cheb Khaled on several occasions, following his acquisition of the Moroccan citizenship.

Last month, he came under heavy criticism after he performed at Prince Moulay Rachid’s wedding at the royal palace in Rabat.