‘Disgrace, Scum’: Benkirane Slams ElGrandeToto for Destroying Moroccan Values

Doha – Abdelilah Benkirane, Secretary General of Morocco’s Justice and Development Party (PJD), has strongly denounced famous rapper ElGrandeToto in a scathing rebuke, labeling him a “disgrace” and “scum.”

Speaking on Thursday at the opening session of the PJD’s 18th National Youth Congress, Benkirane accused ElGrandeToto and similar artists of “diluting” the morals of Moroccan youth to make it easier to “control our country now and in the future.”

He expressed disbelief that anyone could consider the rapper to be a good influence, challenging Moroccan parents: “If Toto is so good, take him to your home, have your children learn from him, and bring them the drugs he takes!”

The PJD leader also lashed out at the government, saying: “Now I will say it to our state and our people. These political parties that bring us the likes of Toto and so on, what is their intent? Their purpose is to dilute our Moroccan youth to make it easier to control our country now and in the future.”

The growing popularity of figures like Toto is “unacceptable,” Benkirane argued, adding, “These are scums preparing scums for Moroccan youth.”

He appealed to parents, saying: “Moroccan youth, fathers, mothers – are you in your right minds going to the concerts of these clowns? These scums should go to the beach with the drug users and do their activities. They have no connection to the Moroccan people or the Moroccan family.”

Until “disasters” like the recent assaults in Casablanca occur, said the PJD chief, people mistakenly believe the “shameful” behavior of normalizing and celebrating artists like Toto is acceptable when they see the state enabling it.

Benkirane insisted ElGrandeToto and public figures like him have no place in Moroccan society, stressing: “On the day Hassan II did the Green March, he didn’t call on the likes of scum like Toto!”

Benkirane’s search for ‘a righteous generation’ of Moroccans

Instead, he added in a mocking tone that clearly showed his outrage, “The day Hassan II did the Green March, he said God, the Prophet and the Quran are with us. He distributed the Quran to the people and ordered the implementation of Sharia. If they found a couple committing indecency, they would be lashed. God brought that time while [Justice Minister] Ouahbi was still young…”

The PJD leader contrasted ElGrandeToto with the “righteous people” who he said have preserved Morocco throughout its history, citing Yusuf Ibn Tashfin, the “great kings,” and various leaders of the past.

Benkirane called on the PJD’s youth wing to be the “righteous people of now, tomorrow and the future” in order to confront challenges “that only God knows.” He warned, “God does not make right the work of the corrupt.”

ElGrandeToto, a prominent figure in the Moroccan rap scene, has been a regular performer at festivals sponsored by the Ministry of Culture.

In 2022, he sparked controversy at the Rabat African Capital Festival by openly endorsing cannabis use and employing explicit language during his performance, drawing condemnation from the government.

Benkirane took issue with the Ministry of Culture’s organization of the festival and invitation of Toto, accusing Minister of Culture Mehdi Bensaid of normalizing and promoting what he called scandalous and un-Moroccan events.

The former Head of Government criticized the ministry for giving a platform to “these types” of performers, arguing it was fully aware of the kind of statements they would make and the actions they would take on stage.

However, Toto recently surprised fans by announcing his decision to quit cannabis. This unexpected move has divided his fanbase. Some have applauded it as a positive influence on youth, while others worry it may dampen his creativity and alter the artistic persona closely tied to cannabis use.

Toto’s involvement in the music industry extends beyond performing. He served on the organizing committee and jury for “JamShow,” a groundbreaking 2M TV program showcasing young rap talent.

The show, which aired on the state-owned channel, crowned Nezar (Nizar Zouhri) as Morocco’s newest rap star, with Toto and fellow rapper Dizzy Dros as judges.

An irresponsible government

The PJD leader also accused the current government of mismanagement through useless projects, highlighting its failure to address important issues like the pension system and the crisis of medical students. “This government doesn’t know what it’s good for… The only file it resolved, and only partially, is education, where problems still persist in the sector,” he fumed.

Benkirane’s comments come on the heels of a recent controversy that saw him accuse Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi of “corruption” and “defending consensual relations in private spaces” following an interview Ouahbi gave to Hespress.

Benkirane said it was “inconceivable” for Ouahbi to remain in the “government of the Commander of the Faithful.”

In response to Benkirane’s accusations, Ouahbi said in a TV interview: “If the hotel issue provokes Benkirane so much, why didn’t he pass a law requiring marriage contracts when he was Head of Government? And why was he silent on gambling?”

The minister added that Benkirane has “crossed all lines” and reached the “lowest level of political discourse.”

Previously, the PJD’s General Secretariat had issued a statement accusing Ouahbi of “mocking a noble prophetic hadith and defending consensual relations.” This prompted strong reactions from majority party leaders, who unanimously denounced Benkirane’s “insults.”