French singer Amel Bent proudly claims Algerian nationality

French singer, Amel Bent announced she had officially claimed her Algerian nationality, as reported by Afrik News on July 8th. Between enduring discrimination and rediscovering her pride, the singer of ‘Ma philosophie’ is finally reconciling her identities. This official recognition could pave the way for a historic concert in Algeria.

In a video posted on TikTok on July 7th from the Algerian consulate in Nanterre, the singer stated: “I’ve been officially Algerian for a few months now and I’m extremely proud of it.”

Born to an Algerian father and a Moroccan mother, Bent, who made her name on the televised singing competition, Nouvelle Star in 2004, announced that she had officially obtained Algerian nationality. It is a symbolic moment for the singer who has long navigated between two identities.

After rising to fame from Nouvelle Star, Bent faced persistent racism, particularly when she joined the jury of, The Voice France in 2020. In an interview with musician, Manu Katché, she revealed: ’I was told: go and do The Voice in Algiers’.

In 2014, she had to clarify old statements in which she explained her difficulties in fully assuming her French identity. She told Le Parisien: “I was a kid, we were in the middle of a debate about national identity. I tried to respond by saying there was something wrong in a country where, at the time, people would try to demonstrate that the child of an immigrant is not a real French person.” 

Her proud ownership of her Algerian roots shows she has now perhaps found balance between her various identities.

The news is reminiscent of French-Algerian gymnast, Kaylia Nemour’s decision to compete under the Algerian flag in the Paris 2024 Olympics. After a series of disputes with the French gymnastics federation, she opted to officially claim her Algerian nationality and passport. Consequently, she became the first African gymnast to win an Olympic medal.

Afrik News, Maghrebi.org