Controversy Surrounds Upcoming Concerts of Kendji Girac in Morocco
In recent days, the music scene has been stirred by calls to cancel French singer Kendji Girac's scheduled performances in Morocco, particularly in Casablanca and Rabat. The uproar stems from his previous concerts in Israel, which have prompted the Moroccan Campaign for Academic and Cultural Boycott (MACBI) to initiate a campaign urging for the cancellation of these events. The organization has accused Girac of promoting Israel through his collaborations with Israeli artists and concerts held in Tel Aviv. The singer is set to perform in Rabat on April 29 and in Casablanca on May 2 as part of his tour titled "The Unforgettable Show." In response to the backlash, Kenza Cheddadi, the producer of the shows in Morocco, firmly rejected the claims made by MACBI, emphasizing that Girac has never made political statements regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Cheddadi expressed surprise over the campaign, noting that Girac has a history of performing in Morocco, including at notable events like the TaghaMusic Festival and the Mawazine Festival, which are celebrated for their artistic and cultural significance. She reiterated that the concerts are intended solely for entertainment, reflecting Morocco's spirit of diversity and openness. The producer underscored a commitment to providing audiences with moments of joy and celebration, distinctly separated from political discourse.
Previous Controversies and Artistic Intentions
The controversy surrounding Girac is not a new phenomenon. It traces back to his concert in Tel Aviv in the summer of 2022, which had also sparked similar objections. During an interview leading up to that performance, Girac made comments linking the Gypsy community to the Jewish people, which further fueled criticism from groups such as BDS France. They argued that his presence in Israel served to advance Israeli propaganda while overshadowing ongoing injustices faced by the Palestinian people. In a similar vein, calls to cancel his November 2025 concert in Beirut arose, again referencing his ties to Israeli performances. Despite the controversies, his Beirut concert proceeded as planned.
Moreover, Girac's collaboration with Israeli artist Roer Adam on a duet, along with his use of melodies from Israel’s national anthem in his music, has further complicated his standing among critics. As the situation evolves, the conversations surrounding Girac's artistic choices highlight the intersection of culture and politics, illustrating how musical endeavors can ignite widespread debate.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
