WAH PROD EVENT has announced the cancellation of the karaoke concert initially set for Friday, January 31, at the Centre Culturel Boukmakh in Tangier. The event was to feature the late Algerian singers Cheb Hasni and Cheb Akil. The cancellation comes after the families of the artists decided to block the event, citing the location in Morocco as the sole reason, according to a statement from the organizers. A representative from the organizing company told Yabiladi, «Abdellah, Cheb Hasni's son, reached out to inquire about the concert and whether a hologram would be used. We clarified that it was a karaoke event with a six-member band playing the songs while the audience sang along». The source added that the concert was intended to honor the deceased artists and noted that several attempts were made to reach an agreement. «We even offered him a share of the profits. However, after multiple discussions, he warned us of potential legal action if the concert proceeded», the source explained. Abdellah, the late Raï singer's son, reportedly felt that the organizers should have sought the family's permission before announcing the event. «We explained that this type of concert doesn't require such authorization, as the audience performs the songs with a band», the source mentioned, suggesting a misunderstanding between the parties. Abdellah confirmed the family's reluctance for the event to take place in Morocco. «He threatened to send a bailiff if we went ahead with the show. We don't want any trouble, so we decided to cancel», the representative said. Similarly, Cheb Akil's family contacted the organizers via email, requesting the cancellation. Consequently, the Oujda-based company plans to host a different event featuring Moroccan Raï artists. Tickets purchased for the canceled concert will be either refunded or valid for the new event.
