Amr Diab refuses to sing

Concert agents in Egypt and around the Arab world were in shock when prominent Egyptian singer Amr Diab turned down every offer to hold any performances during the holy month of Ramadan. The singer surprised everyone with his decision not to sing due to the fact that he had previously given an initial acceptance to hold some concerts.

The singer justified his refusal by stating that he is preparing to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the religious pilgrimage Umra. He added that he had made a decision from the beginning of the holy month to dedicate the last ten days to worshiping only.

Amr had also recorded a number of religious sonnets and prayers and had postponed recording songs for his upcoming album until Ramadan is over.

On a different note, msic producer Yousif Harb organized a tour last March for prominent Diab and the Lebanese band the Four Cats. During the tour he and Diab were unfortunately allegedly accused of being con artists by an Arab concert agent named Maurice Asadoryan in the US.

Maurice filed a lawsuit in New Jersey District Court against Harb and Diab accusing them of working illegally in the United States under false names. He also accused Diab of avoiding to pay taxes in Egypt. The lawsuit included a number of Amr’s associates who allegedly forged contracts in favor of the singer and Harb.

The judge released a verdict in favor of Amr and Harb due to a lack of jurisdiction. Amr and Harb have filed a counter complaint against Maurice accusing him of extortion.

From Al Bawaba