Kathem El Saher has finally retaliated to the various criticisms thrown his way throughout the years, emphasizing mostly on the most recent attack he had to face by the Egyptian Music Union and Egyptian Television.
The singer stated that, contrary to what Egypt’s media has said, he never places unreasonable conditions for performing, reported ‘Al Ittihad’ daily newspaper.
“I only ask that the lighting and sound be good during auditions,” he clarified.
And as for charges made by Egypt’s Opera House president, Ratiba Al Hafni, he said that it was all a matter of bad timing.
“Ratiba Al Hafni asked me about my participation in the Arab Music Festival and I had to apologize because I’d be in the US at that time.”
Answering a third charge against him on his last trip to Egypt, the singer said that he was not aware that he had broken the law by bringing along 21 Iraqi musicians.
The group of musicians had entered Egypt with visit visas, which under the Music Union’s law, forbids them from performing or working in the country.
The superstar Iraqi singer said that he was not informed that the group’s participation in the concert was against the laws of the Egyptian Music Union.
Saher proved his point by stating that the group had accompanied him for his tour of France and Sweden.
He expressed his surprise over how the Egyptian media reacted, saying that the only reason he went to Egypt in the first place was because of an invitation by Egypt Television director Amal Izzat.
According to Saher, Amal had told the ballad singing mega-star that he and his group were more than welcome, mentioning nothing of the status of the group’s visas.
“I took permission from Egyptian Television and they approved. What is the difference between Egyptian Television and the Music Union? I came to sing for Egypt and without a return, so why did my performance generate such an uproar?” asked the disappointed singer.
Meanwhile, Kathem took the opportunity to speak freely about the meanings behind his songs, which have recently been under major scrutiny.
The press charged the singer with using ‘morally compromising words.’
Kathem disagreed saying “my songs, Ash’had, Al Hub Al Mustaheel and Quli Uhibak and many others were written by the late Nizar Qabani. The songs connect the earth with women, the mother and lover. The lyrics also defend women; there is no way to see any sort of negative and immoral connotations to these songs. In fact, the words are sensitive and beautiful, emoting love, which we lack these days.”
The singer, who composes his own music, said that he prefers to do so because of his faith in his talent and the ability to understand the words he had chosen.
Furthermore, Saher announced that he is on the verge of releasing a new song he composed, written by the so-called ‘Prince of Poetry,’ Ahmad Shawqi. He said that he is currently searching for the late poet’s heirs in order to get rights to the words – Albawaba.com.
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
