Algerian comedian Nawell Madani is proceeding with a planned performance tour of Morocco, despite a growing online campaign calling for its cancellation. The tour, scheduled to begin in Marrakech on March 25th, with subsequent dates in Casablanca and Rabat, has sparked controversy stemming from past statements made by Madani that some Moroccans have deemed offensive.
The calls for a boycott originated with the resurfacing of clips from previous television appearances, in which Madani made remarks perceived as stigmatizing towards Moroccan women. Activists have shared these clips widely on social media, urging organizers to cancel the shows and calling on authorities to intervene. As of Saturday, February 28, 2026, no official response has been issued by Moroccan authorities, according to reports.
Despite the online backlash, ticket sales for Madani’s performances remain active. Organizers have even added a second date in Casablanca due to demand, according to Bladi.net, a Moroccan news outlet. The first Casablanca performance is already sold out.
The controversy surrounding Madani’s tour is unfolding against a backdrop of strained relations between Morocco and Algeria. Diplomatic ties between the two countries were severed in August 2021, and Algeria subsequently closed its airspace to Moroccan aircraft. This ongoing political tension appears to be amplifying the debate surrounding Madani’s visit, with some viewing the tour as a deliberate provocation. Bladi.net reported that many activists are demanding the cancellation of the event, denouncing the welcoming of Algerian artists accused of hostile statements towards Morocco.
Madani is known for her one-woman shows that blend humor with personal anecdotes, addressing themes such as motherhood, mental load, and the challenges of fame. Her upcoming tour features the show “Nawell tout court.” She gained prominence through the French comedy club Jamel and created the Netflix series “Jusqu’ici tout va bien.”
The first performance is scheduled for March 25th in Marrakech, followed by shows on March 28th and 29th in Casablanca, and April 1st in Rabat, at the Mohammed V Theater. Calls to boycott the Rabat performance have been particularly vocal, as reported by Morocco World News.
As of today, organizers of the performances have not publicly addressed the controversy. The tour is scheduled to continue as planned.
