Cheb Khaled Faces Backlash Over Concert in Rabat

On August 31, 2026, the renowned Algerian singer Cheb Khaled found himself at the center of a heated controversy following his recent concert in Rabat, Morocco. The artist was compelled to delete photos and videos from his social media accounts that depicted his performance at the Rab’Africa festival, where he celebrated on stage while Algeria was mourning the loss of at least twelve lives due to devastating wildfires. The outcry stemmed from many Algerians who viewed Khaled's actions as insensitive, especially during a period of national mourning that lasted three days. In the wake of this backlash, Khaled stepped forward to address the accusations regarding his patriotism and commitment to his homeland, Algeria.

In a video posted after the deletion of the contentious images, Khaled emphasized, "I will never be against my country," asserting his unwavering loyalty. He expressed his disdain for the interpretations that suggested his presence in Morocco indicated a lack of regard for the victims of the fires in Algeria. Khaled firmly stated, "I will never be part of a plan that impacts or harms my country, even through mere words," thereby rejecting claims that questioned his allegiance. He urged critics to cease the sharing of old recordings and statements taken out of context that could further exacerbate tensions between him and the Algerian public.

Call for Unity Amidst Tensions

The celebrated "King of Raï" called upon his detractors to focus on the pressing issues at hand, particularly the plight of the wildfire victims. He paid tribute to the brave Algerians, especially the youth who stepped up to assist those affected, along with the members of the civil protection services and military engaged in combating the fires. His concert had already sparked controversy before, as he had used the opportunity to send a heartfelt message to King Mohammed VI, wishing him health and longevity in honor of the Youth Day celebration, which further fueled the discontent among some Algerians. Given the tense political climate between Algeria and Morocco, Khaled's performances have often incited strong reactions from audiences across the border, particularly since he obtained Moroccan citizenship in 2013.

Despite the controversy, Cheb Khaled has taken steps to clarify his position, removing the offensive posts and affirming that his love for Algeria remains unquestionable, regardless of his longstanding ties with Morocco. This incident adds yet another chapter to a complex narrative surrounding the artist, whose career has often been interwoven with the political sensitivities of North Africa.

As reported by bladi.net.