Amid rising tensions between France and Algeria, Souad Massi calls for calm dialogue between the two countries. She’s preparing a new album and may finally return to perform in Algeria after a ten-year absence.
She is one of the artists who best embodies the deep bond—and tensions—between France and Algeria. Souad Massi says she feels "sad" about the current diplomatic crisis between the two countries, which, according to her, "should talk things through like a couple," as she told AFP in an interview.
Performing at the Berlin Philharmonie on Friday, the 52-year-old singer and guitarist revealed she’s working on her eleventh album, planned for release in February 2026, just ahead of a new tour starting in March.
She also recently received "offers to perform in Algeria"—which would mark her first concert there in ten years.
"I really hope to go. I miss my Algerian audience so much," she said.
Due to personal reasons and a lingering sense of unease, the Algiers-born artist hasn’t returned to the country since 2019, when she openly supported the popular protests against the ruling power.
“More Freedom”
Though the Hirak protest movement led to the resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, he was replaced by his former Prime Minister, Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
"I’m not qualified to judge the situation. But yes, people in Algeria are still hoping for a better life—with more freedom of expression," she cautiously commented.
The diplomatic row between Paris and Algiers deeply affects her. "Sad" is the word she hears echoed not only by her two French-born daughters, but also by friends in Algeria who "don’t understand this escalation of hatred."
Relations between the two countries, historically complex, have further deteriorated in recent months.
Aside from the five-year prison sentence handed down Thursday to French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, France and Algeria have clashed over Algiers' refusal to accept the return of certain nationals whom France seeks to deport.
"I’m both French and Algerian, and deeply attached to both countries," Massi stated. "But we need calm, responsible voices—this conversation should stay between diplomats. Not just anyone should be handed the microphone."
"For the sake of all young people, those in power really need to sit down and talk—like a couple would," she added.
Regarding Boualem Sansal, "who is elderly and ill," she reaffirmed her commitment to defending "freedom of expression."
Massi moved to France in the late 1990s, fleeing Algeria’s "Black Decade" of civil war and terror attacks. Her career took off with her debut album in 2001, and she has since gained widespread acclaim.
Now, after more than 25 years in France, she says racism is increasingly present in her daily life—especially through her daughters’ experiences.
Globally, the singer—who often gives voice to injustices from Congo to Afghanistan—expressed concern over threats to democracy and freedom of speech. She says: "When funding for science, health care, education, and universities gets cut—it’s a real cause for concern."
Amid this uncertain climate, the artist—whose influences range from classical music to hard rock—says she plans to use rock for her next album. "It’s a genre that speaks out. And it fits this era of struggle."
Having emerged from a personal tragedy—her ex-husband was sentenced to 11 years in prison for attempting to kill their two daughters and then taking his own life—Massi says she came out "even stronger."
And as long as she has something to defend or share, she says, she will keep singing.
With AFP
Comments