Tunisian rapper Klay BBJ has once again caught the attention of authorities and police, facing trial at an as yet unspecified date for defamation.
Read More »Tunisia: Musicians confronted with censorship and repression
Of Tunisia’s entire artistic community, the musicians – and in particular urban rappers – have borne the brunt of the state’s censorship and repression. A wide legal arsenal has been used to drag musicians into court and throw them unceremoniously into gaol. By Daniel Brown ARTSFREEDOM | INSIGHT In …
Read More »Tunisia: Rapper Klay BBJ released from custody
The Tunisian rapper Klay BBJ was released from custody on 21 October 2015 after having been detained over the weekend on suspicion of “possession and use” of cannabis, his lawyer was quoted as saying by various media. Freemuse welcomes the news which was confirmed by Freemuse’s partner in Tunisia, CIHRS. …
Read More »Tunisia: Calls for the release of arrested rapper Klay BBJ
On 17 October 2015, the public prosecution of the Court of First Instance in Tunis permitted National Security officers in Bab Swika district to arrest the rapper Klay BBJ (real name: Ahmed Ben Ahmed) along with two other men. They were allegedly apprehended for possession of drugs. The news agency …
Read More »Tunisia and Egypt: Music censorship after the Spring
‘The Cultural Spring’ in Tunisia and Egypt: Musicians are pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. By Victor Salama While some Arab countries saw political changes in 2011 – president Ben Ali was ousted from power after ruling Tunisia for 24 years, Hosni Mubarak was deposed after ruling Egypt for …
Read More »Tunisian rappers in focus at Impossible Music Session
KLAY BBJ, the Tunisian rapper who has been sentenced to imprisonment for his lyrics critical of the police and the Tunisian regime joined via skype The Impossible Music Sessions, which took place as part of a Nordic Experts Meeting on safe havens for artists in Malmö, Sweden, on 11 November …
Read More »Tunisia: Interview with Klay BBJ, the rapper who was jailed for hating everything
The Tunisian rappers Klay BBJ and Weld el 15 were sentenced to jail after a performance that was deemed to be too critical of the nation’s police force. The government’s harsh treatment of the rapper gained international attention. Initially sentenced to 21 months in jail, Klay was freed on October …
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