Two concerts by Lebanese singer Heba Tawaji canceled in Damascus
Cairo – the middle gate Sunday 27 February 2022, 02:00 pm
The Lebanese singer Heba Tawaji canceled two concerts she was scheduled to perform next month with composer Osama Rahbani in the Syrian capital, Damascus, in a decision that the young artist attributed to “big regional tensions” and to involve her in “conflicts” and “controversy” that have nothing to do with him.
In the past two weeks, Tawaji and Rahbani were subjected to severe criticism from human rights defenders and opponents of the regime in Syria, as some considered that the presentation of the two concerts at the Damascus Opera House, which officially bears the name “Dar al-Assad for Culture and Arts”, is tantamount to “normalization” with the Syrian regime. The Lebanese artists were also accused of “betraying the blood of the Syrian people” and “dancing on their bodies”, according to “AFP”.
The 34-year-old Lebanese singer said in a video message that she posted on her account on “Instagram”, Saturday evening, “I was happy a few days ago to announce the date” of the two concerts on March 9 and 10, but “I was surprised that many media and newspapers dealt with the concert, and allowed themselves to involve me in conflicts.” And corridors and controversy that I did not choose and have nothing to do with me.”
In the clip, which lasted about three minutes, Heba explained: “I consulted with my team, and we decided together that the current conditions are not suitable for presenting this concert in Syria,” adding: “Because of all the convulsions that affect me personally or the major regional convulsions, we will have to postpone the concert” until “the meeting.” in better conditions.”
She concluded her message by saying: “I promise that we will meet soon, and I hope you will understand my decision” and “My language will remain love, art and humanity.”
Return tickets
The Lebanese singer’s statements came shortly after the Syrian “Shams Academy” company, which organized the event, announced that it had been informed of the “sudden” decision of Toji and Rahbani to “withdraw” from the event “without clear and convincing reasons.”
The statement of the Syrian organizing company added: “Shams Academy regrets and marvels at Rahbani and Tawaji’s withdrawal,” and “confirms its commitment to refunding the price of the sold cards in full without any delay.”
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The announcement of the two concerts aroused interest in Syria, as pictures spread through social networks this month showed a queue of people waiting to obtain tickets to attend the party, despite the fact that the ticket price was close to the average monthly salaries of government sector employees.
Journalists and activists opposed to the Syrian regime, especially Syrians and Lebanese, directed strong criticism through social networks and media outlets; A rejection of the two parties in a country that has been witnessing a bloody war for eleven years, causing the deaths of about half a million people, the displacement of millions and the destruction of infrastructure.
Among these situations, an article published by the Daraj website on Friday considered that holding such a party means “overcoming the tragedy of millions of Syrians.”
The two concerts would mark the return of Hiba Tawaji and Osama Rahbani to Syria after an absence of fifteen years.
Osama Al-Rahbani, the son of Mansour Al-Rahbani, who formed with his older brother Assi Al-Rahbani and Mrs. Fairouz an artistic trio that presented the Arab Musical Library with a rich musical and lyrical heritage, has repeatedly confirmed in previous statements that he refused to involve politics with art.