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Rabat – Dozens of Iraqis, led by clerics, protested in front of Sindbad Land City in Baghdad to prevent the concert of Moroccan singer Saad Lamjarred.
Lamjarred was scheduled to perform his first concert in Iraq, on Thursday, June 9, at a concert venue in the entertainment venue Sindbad Land.
The crowd, who was angered by the presence of the “controversial” star in Iraq for a concert, held prayers, waved flags and banners, and chanted religious slogans as they stormed the venue.
Despite the tickets being sold out, the management of Sindbad Land announced the cancellation of the show following the riot.
According to Iraqi media outlets, several protesters claimed that the concert coincides with religious ceremonies, while others believe that it contravenes prevailing norms and religious teachings.
The vast campaign to prevent the Moroccan singer’s concert also came after accusations of rape and harassment.
Lamjarred has been facing a lawsuit of rape that goes back to 2016 from a complaint in France.
His hit single “Lmaallem” (the boss) surpassed a billion views on Youtube in May, becoming the first Arab song to break such a record on the streaming platform.
This is not the only incident of its kind, as protesters stormed the venue last year to express their opposition to concerts, local media report.
But several activists and personalities denounced the incidents, as it is against personal freedoms, raising the hashtag “Baghdad will not be(come) Kandahar” on social media as an expression of rejection of extremist religious restrictions.
After the incident at the Baghdad concert, Lamjarred is preparing for another concert alongside Lebanese musician Elissa, scheduled for June 17 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The two artists have released a duet titled “Min Awel Dekika” (from the first minute). The song has already reached over 112 million views a month after its release.
Read Also: Lamjarred’s “Lmaallem” Becomes 1st Arab Song to Hit One Billion Views
