Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The controversy surrounding Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama and the Egyptian Musicians’ Syndicate continues to escalate, despite his recent tweet suggesting that the issue was on its way to resolution.
Alama failed to attend a scheduled disciplinary hearing last week with the Musicians’ Union in Cairo. The session was set to address alleged misconduct during his recent performance in Egypt’s North Coast region, in Matrouh governorate.
A source within the Syndicate told Al Arabiya.net / Al Hadath.net that the union had formally summoned the artist to appear at its headquarters in downtown Cairo. However, Alama did not show up, which reportedly angered several union board members. As a result, the Syndicate decided not to grant him any further performance licenses in Egypt until he complies with the investigation process.
The source added that Alama informed the Syndicate he was unable to attend the hearing due to prior international commitments that he could not cancel or reschedule.
Ragheb Alama is scheduled to perform another concert in Egypt’s North Coast on August 18, but so far the Syndicate has not issued a permit for the event. Officials have made it clear that no license will be granted unless the artist appears for questioning and a final decision is made regarding the current issue.
Previously, Mostafa Kamel, head of the Egyptian Musicians’ Union, announced a ban on Alama from performing in Egypt and referred him for investigation.
The controversy began after Alama’s recent concert in the North Coast, where video clips circulated online showing behavior some critics deemed inappropriate or inconsistent with local traditions and norms for public performances.
