Anas Elbaz Calls Out Fake Influencers Using Sex and Money in Moroccan Entertainment Industry

I had the pleasure of interviewing the talented Moroccan actor Anas Elbaz many times in Morocco. We first crossed paths when I was hired as the publicist for the "Casanegra" Movie, in which Anas starred and shot to fame in Morocco and other countries after winning Best Actor at the Dubai Film Festival. Working with Anas was an absolute riot!

Recently, Anas has been making headlines in Moroccan media, shedding light on his absence from the artistic scene. He blames the rise of influencers for monopolizing the industry and that directors and producers favor these social media stars over professional actors. Instead of casting professionals like Anas, movie directors opt for these so-called influencers willing to pay their way into the spotlight. Anas revealed in a live Instagram session that one influencer shelled a whopping 20K to appear on a popular show in Morocco. These fake influencers are using their wealth (that they get, especially in the Middle East, where my fellow citizens have the worst reputation over there) to fake their way into the entertainment industry, flaunting a lifestyle that is far beyond the means of the average Moroccan worker.

 We're not talking about Hollywood A-listers here, folks. We're talking about the wannabe celebrities of Mama Africa. It's a jungle out there, and Anas Elbaz is not afraid to call out the imposters.

 Anas questioned why movie directors would hire him when they were being paid by influencers, not only with hush money but also with sex. He humorously mentioned that some influencers have money and the "Algerian President" on their side. Interestingly, the family name of the Algerian President translates to "Vagina" in Moroccan Darija. In Moroccan culture, where saying "Vagina" is considered taboo, people often use the term "Algerian President" as a substitute, making it a trendy alternative. So, how can one find work in the entertainment industry when cash and the "Algerian President" are involved?

By Simo Ben (Simo Benbachir)