TLDR: Canadian rapper K’naan, known for his hit “Wavin’ Flag,” has been charged with sexual assault from a 2010 incident that allegedly took place in Québec City. The complaint was initially filed in 2022.
Canadian rapper K’naan, the voice behind the 2009 anthem “Wavin’ Flag,” is now facing serious allegations that could shake up his career. According to a recent CBC report, K’naan, born Keinan Abdi Warsame, has been charged with sexual assault stemming from an incident in 2010, just as his career was reaching its apex. The alleged crime occurred between July 16 and 17, 2010, during the Festival d’été de Québec, a massive event in Québec City. The woman involved, who was in her late 20s at the time, filed a complaint in May 2022.
What makes this more intriguing is the timing—K’naan was recently awarded SOCAN’s Cultural Impact Award for the enduring influence of “Wavin’ Flag,” a song that became an unofficial global anthem. The award came only days before his court proceedings, casting a shadow over what should have been a moment of celebration.
K’naan wasn’t present during the initial court date, but the case is set to move forward with a preliminary inquiry slated for April 2025 (according to Radio-Canada). His legal team has requested that the trial be held in English and before a jury. The festival organizers, BLEUFEU, confirmed his performance from that night, but distanced themselves from the allegations, stating that the incident occurred away from the festival grounds—“our role in this investigation remained limited.”
It’s unclear when K’naan, who lives in New York City, will return to Canada to face the charges.
