In a recent official statement, Egyptian Musicians Syndicate President, artist Mostafa Kamel, announced the suspension of Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama from performing in Egypt. The decision follows an incident during one of Alama’s recent concerts that sparked controversy.
In the statement, Kamel expressed his disapproval of what he described as “inappropriate behavior” that goes against Egyptian customs, values, and societal norms. He emphasized:
“For two consecutive days, I have closely observed behavior that blatantly contradicts our cultural and ethical standards—conduct we are unaccustomed to in our nation. Such acts will not be tolerated on the land of icons like Umm Kulthum, Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Abdel Halim Hafez, and other greats of Arab art. Egypt’s stages, which have hosted legendary performers from across the Arab world, must not become venues for unrestrained physical displays or suggestive gestures that provoke public disgust.”
Mostafa Kamel further clarified the official steps being taken by the Musicians Syndicate, stating:
“With full respect for my dear friend, Mr. Farid Bou Saeed, President of the Musicians Syndicate in Lebanon, and our beloved Lebanese brothers and sisters, we have decided the following:
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Summoning Ragheb Alama to the headquarters of the Musicians Syndicate in Egypt for investigation regarding his intentional breach of Egyptian customs and traditions.
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Suspending his performance license in Egypt until the investigation is complete.
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Coordinating with the Chamber of Tourism Establishments to meet and discuss a unified decision regarding the venue owner who hosted the event in question, which is seen as a deliberate affront to Egyptian values and traditions.”
In response, Ragheb Alama reached out directly to Mostafa Kamel via a voice message in which he said:
“My brother, beloved friend, and lifelong companion, Mostafa Kamel—I’ve just learned of the Syndicate’s decision. Let me affirm that Egypt is my second home, the land of legendary artists, and its tourism is a shared responsibility for all Arab performers. I am honored to bring joy to concertgoers in Egypt, especially in the North Coast which is currently witnessing an unprecedented tourism boom.”
He continued:
“I swear by God, what happened on stage with that girl was entirely unintentional. The image circulating is misleading and doesn’t reflect what actually happened—it was the result of poor stage management. I deeply respect Egypt, its people, and the guests attending the concerts. I would never want any misunderstanding between me and the Musicians Syndicate, which I consider my home and family.”
Mostafa Kamel concluded his statement by acknowledging Alama’s quick and respectful response:
“As President of the Musicians Syndicate, I appreciate and respect Ragheb Alama’s prompt communication, his clarification of the incident, and his commitment to Egypt, its people, and its guests from around the world. I also value his acknowledgment of the Syndicate’s decision and his willingness to appear before it.”
