Saint Levant Concert Sparks Controversy in Morocco

An announcement for a concert by Palestinian singer Marwan Abdelhamid, known as Saint Levant, has ignited a wave of reactions across Moroccan social media platforms. The performance, scheduled for December 3 at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, has divided the public between enthusiastic supporters and those calling for a boycott.

The controversy resurfaced following the release of the official poster for the concert, which is part of his global tour for the new album 'El Affendi.' Many users brought up a previous incident from his 2024 performance at the Gnaoua Festival. During that event, some attendees and online commentators felt his handling of the Moroccan flag on stage was inappropriate, leading to widespread criticism.

Saint Levant addressed the past controversy by posting an apology on his Instagram account, stating that the incident was unintentional and expressing his respect for Morocco and its people. He wrote, 'I apologize to Morocco and its people for the misunderstanding that some considered an insult to the country. My respect and appreciation for you will not lead me to do this intentionally.'

Despite the renewed debate, a significant portion of the artist's fanbase has expressed excitement for the upcoming concert. They view it as an opportunity to experience one of the most prominent emerging artists in the Arab music scene, especially after the recent success of his work. The Casablanca concert is part of Saint Levant's largest global tour to date, featuring 41 shows across Asia, Europe, and North America, kicking off in Amman in August and concluding in December with the album's release.

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I apologize to Morocco and its people for the misunderstanding that some considered an insult to the country. My respect and appreciation for you will not lead me to do this intentionally.