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Rabat – Cheb Khaled, one of the most popular singers in the Maghreb, reaffirmed his Moroccan nationality and his reverence for King Mohammed VI in an interview with Moroccan newspaper Akhbar Al Yaoum.
“King Mohammed VI is the dearest person to me, and this is not new,” he said. “He is a magnificent king.”
The singer responded to posts on social media politicizing his nationality and his artwork for performing in Tindouf, the main base of the Algeria-backed Polisario, a separatist group seeking independence for the southern part of Morocco.
“I am primarily an artist, not a politician,” he said. “I have never wanted to offend Moroccan patriotism.”
Later in the interview, he emphasized that he reveres Morocco, even though critics try to use his relations with the country against him.
“I have no animosity towards Morocco and Moroccans, whose country is one of the most tolerant and open nations of the world,” said the 55-year-old. “But the problem lies in the fact that some want to destroy my relationship with the kingdom and Moroccans, whom I admire.”
He concluded by stressing that he will not fall into the “trap”: “Moroccans and Algerians are brothers and the problem is not limited only to politicians! Hopefully there will be a quick solution to these tense relations.”
The artist, who has a dual citizenship, also announced that he would perform in Casablanca on April 2. The concert marks his return to his Moroccan fans. Born in Algeria, Cheb Khaled was granted Moroccan citizenship by King Mohammed VI in August 2013.
“I look forward to renewing my relationship with my fans,” he said before expressing his dedicated admiration to the King of Morocco.
