HIBAPRESS – I. El-Smalali
In a surprising move that shook the sidelines of the Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco, the "DJ" and famous Tiktoker Reda Soussa was excluded from the tasks of animating the championship matches in Rabat, and was replaced by the rap star and "DJ" Reda Bouallala, nicknamed "Red Soba". A decision that was not as technical as it was a "course correction" after an earthquake of criticism.
The story began in the stands of the Algeria vs. Sudan match, where "DJ" Soussa was supposed to be an artistic link between the fans, but the winds blew in a way that the "Moroccan national identity" did not desire. Followers accused Soussa of bias towards Algerian songs, in exchange for a strange "silence" of Moroccan songs that were supposed to be heard in the Kingdom's stadiums.
It was not just music, but rather, "Blue World pioneers" considered it an unforgivable communication slip. The leaked clips from inside the stadium ignited great anger, as activists wondered: How can a demonstration held on Moroccan soil and with national funding, lack the musical identity of the Kingdom in the presence of a Moroccan "DJ"?
Public pressure demanded the end of Soussa's duties "to protect the national character" of the event, and "Red Soba" was chosen for his experience in integrating Moroccan rap with global atmospheres, and his ability to restore "Tamaghrabit" to the speakers in Rabat's stadiums.
Analysts believe that what happened to Reda Soussa may be a lesson in "professionalism". The event is not just a "live broadcast" on Tik Tok, but a continental face that requires a delicate balance and respect for the host audience.
Today, eyes are turning towards "Red Soba"; will he succeed in extinguishing the fire of controversy with music that unites the continent and triumphs for Moroccan identity?
