Egyptian musician Omar Kamal has been summoned for investigation by the Egyptian Music Professions Syndicate, led by Mustafa Kamel, following the circulation of a video showing him reusing deleted lyrics from a song. The lyrics in question, from the song "Bent El Gereen," include the phrases "I drink liquor and hashish." This incident occurred during a concert with Lebanese singer Sarah El Zakaria.
According to Mustafa Kamel, the decision to summon Omar Kamal for investigation was made after monitoring committees documented multiple instances of him reusing the lyrics, despite previously agreeing not to do so. Kamel emphasized that the syndicate respects the decisions made by the late artist Hani Shaker, who was the syndicate's president at the time the agreement was made.
The controversy surrounding Omar Kamal's lyrics dates back to February 2020, when he was banned by the syndicate for performing the original version of "Bent El Gereen" during a Valentine's Day concert at Cairo Stadium. Since then, Kamal has been involved in several incidents with the syndicate, including investigations, fines, and performance bans.
In addition to reusing the deleted lyrics, the syndicate also criticized Kamal's behavior during the concert with Sarah El Zakaria, citing instances of indecent behavior on stage, including an attempt by El Zakaria to kiss Kamal in front of the audience. The syndicate has referred the matter to its legal and work committees to determine the appropriate course of action.
Mustafa Kamel stated that Omar Kamal's actions may lead to a temporary ban on performing, given the repeated offenses. The investigation will hear Kamal's testimony before making a final decision on the matter. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Egyptian musicians in adhering to industry regulations and codes of conduct.
The Egyptian Music Professions Syndicate plays a crucial role in regulating the music industry in Egypt, and its leaders have consistently emphasized their commitment to upholding professional standards. Omar Kamal's case demonstrates the syndicate's efforts to enforce its rules and maintain public trust in the industry.
As the investigation unfolds, Omar Kamal's fans and fellow musicians will be watching closely to see how the situation develops. The outcome may have implications for the broader music industry in Egypt, particularly regarding artistic freedom and the boundaries of acceptable content in performances.
Key points
- Omar Kamal was summoned for investigation by the Egyptian Music Professions Syndicate for reusing deleted lyrics from a song.
- The incident occurred during a concert with Lebanese singer Sarah El Zakaria, and the syndicate also criticized Kamal's behavior on stage.
- The investigation may lead to a temporary ban on Omar Kamal's performances, given his repeated offenses.
