Lille, France – A concert by Kabyle singer Rabeh Asma in Lille, France, took an unexpected turn Saturday night, November 29, 2025, when a heated exchange occurred between the artist and an individual allegedly affiliated with the separatist MAK movement. Videos circulating on social media captured the incident.
During the performance, Asma passionately chanted the iconic Algerian slogan “One, Two, Three… Viva l’Algérie!” to enthusiastic audience participation. However, tensions arose when an individual seemingly attempted to exploit the event to promote separatist ideologies. This prompted a strong response from Asma, who reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the unity of Algeria.
According to video footage, Asma appeared visibly displeased by the attempt to politicize the concert with separatist rhetoric. He delivered a firm message, emphasizing the sacrifices made for the nation’s freedom and asserting that this history cannot be used to justify calls for division or undermine Algeria’s territorial integrity. He cautioned that attempts to steer the discussion towards separatist agendas would only lead to “problems,” adding that “the enemies of the country are watching for any crack or disagreement to open a window that they can exploit.”
Organizers intervened swiftly to de-escalate the situation, preventing the incident from escalating into further disruption. The concert subsequently resumed in a normal atmosphere, with Asma redirecting the audience’s focus to the music and planned artistic elements.
The video has sparked widespread reaction online, with many praising Asma’s stance as a clear rejection of attempts to use artistic platforms to promote the agenda of the MAK. Others viewed the incident as a reflection of the sensitivity surrounding the issue within the Algerian diaspora in Europe, particularly given the separatist group’s efforts to promote its message at various events. DZWatch will continue to follow this developing story.
