Moroccan Singer Dounia Batma Faces YouTube’s Backlash Over Involvement with Emir Abdelkader

BY: Hana Saada

ALGIERS-Moroccan singer Dounia Batma received a firm reprimand from the YouTube administration, and with good reason. The controversy stemmed from the inclusion of Emir Abdelkader’s picture on the cover of her song, “Kharbousha.” While artistic expression is often subjective, this particular act crossed a line, as it infringed upon the rights and reputation of a prominent figure. Such actions not only undermine the integrity of the platform but also perpetuate harmful narratives that have no place in the realm of music. The consequences handed down by YouTube serve as a reminder that artists must exercise responsibility and respect in their creative endeavors.

Batma’s YouTube channel, known for its extensive following, sparked outrage among fans when she uploaded the controversial “Kharbousha” cover. However, despite gaining significant views and ranking fifth among the most-watched content on the platform, the cover was unexpectedly removed only days after its release.

Activists have since noted that Algerians played a pivotal role in reporting the video due to the insult directed towards one of Algeria’s national symbols. Furthermore, the controversy escalated with condemnation of Batma appropriating Algerian heritage by incorporating the “thread of the soul” on her forehead.

"خربوشة" حكايتها مع الڨايد "عيسى بن عمر العبدي"الذي اشتهر ببطشه وبقسوته وأيضا بالمجزرة التي ارتكبتها قواته في آسفي لقمع انتفاضة أولاد زيد المعروفة بعام الرفسة. ( مادخل الامير عبد القادر في قذارتكم ) pic.twitter.com/VjGRyzYEQJ

— 🇩🇿TURKIMadjid (@TRKMDZ) July 14, 2023

This audacious act of stealing a symbol from our illustrious history, that of Emir Abdelkader, renowned for his heroic struggle, has outraged the world. To exhibit his picture in a music video, in such a disrespectful manner, is an affront to his legacy.

بعد توظيف دنيا بطمة لصورة الأمير عبد القادر في اغنيتها الأخيرة، نية من يعتقد ان ذالك صدفة، دنيا بطمة احد ركائز النظام المغربي في الفن و فعلتها لن تكون الا بإيعاز من النظام المغربي لاستفزاز الجزائريين و سرقته بالتدريج pic.twitter.com/DHww6UBjem

— اسمنت مطبوع hate account (@freezeomelette) July 13, 2023

The utilization of Emir Abdelkader’s picture by Dounia Batma in her recent song cannot be dismissed as mere coincidence. There are individuals who firmly believe that Dounia Batma, being a popular figure within the Moroccan artistic sphere, acted under the direction of the Moroccan regime. It is speculated that this provocative action was intentionally carried out to incite a reaction from the Algerian population, ultimately leading to the gradual appropriation of Algerian culture. Such statements highlight the concerns surrounding the potential manipulation of art and culture by powerful entities, raising questions about the underlying motivations and agendas at play.

It is worth noting that Batma’s fellow Moroccan artist, Saad Lamjarred, also faced controversy for including the image of a renowned Algerian woman in one of his music videos. The Ministry of Culture and relevant officials must now step up and take responsibility for these acts.

Twitter user SAMAH passionately voiced her apprehension about the issue, denouncing it as a brazen infringement and appropriation of a cherished emblem from our illustrious past. She expressed her dismay for the Emir’s picture to be callously featured in a lyrical video with utter insolence, highlighting his extraordinary endeavors and valor which have captivated the world’s attention.

Furthermore, SAMAH raised further concerns about Saad Lamjarred’s move to incorporate the picture of a renowned Algerian elder woman, which sparked controversy. In light of these distressing developments, SAMAH demanded that the Ministry of Culture and the responsible authorities assume their rightful obligations and rectify this transgression promptly.

Confusion has spread among many who fail to understand the connection between Emir Abdelkader and the song “Kharbousha.” The track, known for narrating the resistance of the Zaid tribe against the oppression of leader Issa bin Omar in late nineteenth-century in Safi, Morocco, has seemingly been manipulated to generate attention and success for Batma’s work.

Algerians maintain that Batma’s inclusion of the “thread of the soul” and Emir Abdelkader’s picture were a calculated move to exploit trends and promote her song. Consequently, voices arose, demanding the video’s removal instead of its circulation.

اخواني هذه جعلت صورة الامير لتروج عن كليب و من اجل ان يدخل الجزائريين ويعلقو وتطلع المشاهدات. لا تعيروها اي اهتمام ولا تعلقو عندها معروف انه الامير عبد القادر الجزائري ودعوها تروج لتمثالنا الذي نريد ان نبنيه في وهران 💗 قوموا بتوصيت احبابكم و اصحابكم pic.twitter.com/ojVQSFC4xZ

— ⁦🇩🇿⁩ DR.ZaKARIA ⁦⁩⁦🇺🇸⁩ (@DrZakaria31) July 12, 2023

Noting that “Kharbousha,” a Moroccan folk song that dominated TikTok trends following a live appearance by her Bahraini producer, Mohammed Al-Turk.

According to historians and researchers specializing in Moroccan culture and folklore, “Kharbousha” refers to the nickname of the Moroccan folk poet Hadah al-Zaidia al-Ghayathia from the Ben Zaid tribe. Her name became a testament to the marks and battle wounds etched upon her face by the ruthless smallpox disease, while others bestowed upon her the title of Karada – the one adorned with untamed curls.

In contrast, Issa bin Omar, the mentioned leader in the song, was a figure with authority, tyranny, and wealth. He possessed a penchant for poetry, art, and singing and was known to lavish gold and cattle upon those who appreciated his vocal talents.

As tensions between Algeria and Morocco escalate over this contentious issue, it remains essential for artists to approach cultural heritage with respect and sensitivity. The clash surrounding Dounia Batma’s YouTube controversy serves as a reminder of the delicate nature of intercultural relations and the importance of preserving historical legacies without encroaching on others’ national symbols.