Culture

Egyptian authorities ban Dutch archaeologists from linking Beyonce, Rihanna to Ancient Queen Nefertiti

Published

1 year ago

June 8, 2023

Egyptian antiquities authorities have warned archeologists from the Netherlands not to hold exhibitions linking international music stars, Beyonce and Rihanna to the Ancient Egyptian Queen Nefertiti.

The warning which came from the National Museum of Antiquities, came after Egyptian authorities accused the Dutch archeologists of falsifying history through its showcase of works by musical artistes including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Nas and Miles Davis.

The exhibition which was held at the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities (RMO) entitled “Kemet. Egypt in Hip Hop, jazz, soul & funk,” according to the organisers, was aimed at demonstrating how Ancient Egypt and Nubia havd been “an undeniable source of inspiration for musicians of African descent for over 70 years.”

“The artists have embraced the ancient cultures and employed the associated motifs as symbols of resistance, empowerment and spiritual healing,” the exhibition organisers said in a statement.

The exhibition featured photographs and music videos showing how Beyoncé and Rihanna had both appeared as Queen Nefertiti, while a modern sculpture of Nas based on the famous gold mask of King Tutankhamun was also on display.

In addition, there were several of Sun Ra’s Egyptian-inspired costumes and songs by artistes ranging from Nina Simone and Fela Kuti to Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill.

“The exhibition also looks at what scientific research has revealed about ancient Egypt and Nubia and discusses how they have been studied from Eurocentric and Afrocentric perspectives,” the statement said.

However, the Egyptian culture authorities did not take the exhibition lightly, which they said was part of an effort to distort its history.

In the past three months, Egypt has been battling a series of what it calls the “falsification of history” and pursuit of “Afrocentric theory” following a recent depiction of one of its revered Queens, Cleopatra as a “Black Woman” in a Netflix documentary.

The Egyptian Antiquities Ministry insisted that Cleopatra had “Hellenistic (Greek) features”, including “light skin”.

In response to the warning, the RMO said it was disappointed to be “informed in a recent email from a senior Egyptian antiquities official that it was no longer allowed to excavate at the Saqqara necropolis near Cairo after almost 50 years of work there.”

“The Egyptian authorities have every right to terminate a permit for an excavation; after all, it is their land and their heritage. However, the museum considers the underlying argument for this decision incorrect.

“The Egyptian authorities conclude that our current exhibition is about ‘falsifying’ the ancient Egyptian history. This political argument is used to express the dissatisfaction with the exhibition and to ban our excavation.”

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Culture

Two Algerians arrested over alleged murder of Swiss tourist

Published

3 days ago

October 23, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Algerian authorities have arrested two men in connection with the brutal murder of a Swiss tourist who was killed on October 11 while sitting at a cafe in the southern Algerian town of Djanet, a popular desert tourism destination.

The female tourist was reportedly attacked with a knife and had her throat slit by an assailant. She was rushed to a local hospital, but later died from her severe injuries.

According to local Algerian media reports, two suspects who were arrested following the attack have been identified as men from northern Algeria who had arrived in Djanet about six months ago and were dressed in the style of Tuareg nomads.

An online platform which reported on the incident, said the murder occurred on the terrace of the Cafe Skaner in central Djanet, next to the local tourism office.

“The victim was part of a group of five Swiss tourists visiting the area. The other four members of her group have since been evacuated back to Switzerland with assistance from the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

In a statement, the Swiss ministry confirmed it was aware of the violent death of a Swiss citizen on October 11 in the south-east of Algeria, but gave no further details out of respect for the victim’s privacy.

Though Algerian authorities have not yet issued any public comments on the killing, a source familiar with the situation told the French newspaper, Liberation, that “for the moment, it is completely hushed up. Nothing is coming out, even on social networks. On the ground, the watchword is radio silence. Everyone is complying.”

An Algerian diplomat said the murder could deal a significant blow to Algeria’s efforts to boost tourism in the Sahara desert region. Djanet, near the Tassili n’Ajjer National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, only opened to tourism in 2022 after years of being off-limits due to security concerns.

The town has since become a popular destination, attracting thousands of domestic and foreign visitors with direct flights from Paris.

An investigation into the murder is reportedly underway and security has been tightened around Djanet, including increased military checkpoints and it remains to be seen how Algerian officials will address this high-profile case and whether this will impact the country’s ambitious plans to grow its nascent tourism industry, the platform said.

Culture

Algeria accuses renowned Singer Cheb Khaled of spying for Morocco

Published

5 days ago

October 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Algerian authorities have accused renowned musician, singer and songwriter, Cheb Khaled, of spying for neighbours Morocco as another wave of hostilities brew between the two countries.

Founder of Algerian news outlet, Algeria Par, Al Abdou Semmar, disclosed on his YouTube channel that the military court in Blida, Algeria, hd reportedly forwarded a dossier to the court of Bir Mourad Rais in Algiers, containing serious allegations against the famous artist.

“Cheb Khaled has been friends with Moroccan monarch Mohammed VI for several years,” the journalist said, claiming that Algerian judicial authorities seek to charge Khaled in an alleged espionage case for Morocco.

Semmar further claimed investigations by his news channel has revealed that the singer is suspected and accused of complicity in espionage activities with the Bennacer brothers.

“This refers to the brothers Toufik and Boualem Bennacer, sons of the later General Larbi Bennacer,” the journalist said.

He added that Khaled also faces accusations of “transmitting sensitive information classified as ‘defense secret’ in Algeria to Moroccan authorities.”

“Based in Luxembourg, Cheb Khaled is now wanted by Algerian justice, which wishes to hear him, charge him, and put him on trial,” the journalist said.

He explained that such claims and accusations have come amid the Algerian regime’s hostility towards any party with close ties with Morocco.

“This is not the first time Algeria has arrested individuals and accused them of espionage for Morocco. The latest arrests took place earlier this week in Oran and Sidi Bel Abbès, and involved two Moroccan nationals,’ he said.

Khaled has close ties with Morocco, having performed numerous times in the North African country, where he has millions of Moroccan fans and frequently shares statements expressing his love and passion for Morocco,, referring to it as his second country.

In 2013, he obtained Moroccan citizenship under a royal decree, an act that has repeatedly put him at the heart of controversies among those sharing hostility towards Morocco.