Egypt’s controversial singer Ruby has recently released her latest music video, “Ib’a Abilni” (Meet Me) under the direction of Sharif Sabri, which many consider to be her most provocative clip. Ruby and her business manager, Sharif, have been accused of going over the line by portraying Egyptian heritage in such a manner.
Throughout the clip, Ruby dons revealing costumes resembling the garb worn during the time of the ancient Pharaohs, and dances in a provocative manner. Critics have argued that the singer has not presented anything other than her usual style to increase the clip’s popularity.
Ruby claims that she decided to portray the Pharaohs to show a different, and more humanistic side to their culture, which many only associate with burial rituals. She wanted to show people that their civilization was also celebrated the pleasures of life.
Sharif explained that his love and admiration of the pharaohs is what prompted the idea for the clip and it disturbs him that people have a distorted image of them. He tried to portray the Pharaohs in a modern sense to show their brilliance and personality.
Sharif stated that he is an artist and therefore does not concern himself worrying about negative criticism, and at the least the clip has sparked a dialogue regarding the proper role Pharaohs should play in present day Egyptian culture.
It has been suggested that Ruby’s stardom was negatively affected by her last film “Seven Playing Cards,” which was unsuccessful; however, Ruby remains in high demand.
© 2005 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
