The Bahrain parliament is conservative, even by Gulf standards. The MP's have a track record of targeting entertainment they consider too liberal. Female Lebanese singers in particular have come in for close attention.
Much to the annoyance of Bahrainis who like to have fun, the parliament decided to ban an upcoming Haifa Wehbe show. They claim that Wehbe's performance would be too sexually provocative and would violate Islamic conventions.
It seems a little hypocritical to discriminate against Haifa Wehbe in this way. Tourists in Bahrain can go to night clubs and hotels to watch belly dancers. The belly dance, known as Raks al Sharki, has plenty of sex appeal - so much so it is even banned in countries with strict Islamic laws.
The concert ban went ahead despite assurances by Tariq Al Bahhar, a media spokesperson for Ms Wehbe. He made it clear that the show wouldn't breach any of Bahrain's laws. He also said that the performer would "cover up" with the assistance of jeans and a sweater. This apparently wasn't enough for the austere lawmakers.
In 2003 Bahraini MP's also made a fuss about a concert by another Lebanese singer, Nancy Ajram. The legislators negative views of female performers who are slightly risque isn't appreciated by those Bahrainis who believe that their representatives should be focusing on more important concerns such as education and the economy. But perhaps a few of the MP's get a secret thrill from obsessing about sexually provocative singers - who knows some of them might even have Haifa Wehbe videos at home in some out-of-the-way place - just for reviewing purposes of course.
Bahrain Business Women's Society president, Mona Almoayyed, opposes the ban. She believes a hostile act by a competitor might also be behind it:
"She (Wehbe) is a singer and she isn't going to do anything wrong. She'll come, sing and entertain the people, including Bahraini families as well as families from Saudi who will be coming to see the show ... If MPs feel the concert is offensive, they shouldn't go to it and should stay at home. I am completely against their attitude and I think it's against Bahrain's reputation and tourism."
Haifa Wehbe is a courageous woman. She isn't easily intimidated by prudes who feel threatened by female sexuality. Compared to many Western acts, her performances are quite restrained. She comes from a mixed Sunni/Shia background and is respectful of Islamic law. Her detractors should note that she has dedicated her time and talents to charity shows worldwide.
I updated this post when news came in today, May 1st, that Haifa Wehbe decided to go ahead with the Bahrain show despite the opposition by Islamists. She was dressed modestly in a long green dress. The audience consisted mainly of families, with Gulf Arabs also in attendance from neighboring countries. According to those fortunate enough to get a ticket it was a great success. Kudos to Haifa!
Much to the annoyance of Bahrainis who like to have fun, the parliament decided to ban an upcoming Haifa Wehbe show. They claim that Wehbe's performance would be too sexually provocative and would violate Islamic conventions.
It seems a little hypocritical to discriminate against Haifa Wehbe in this way. Tourists in Bahrain can go to night clubs and hotels to watch belly dancers. The belly dance, known as Raks al Sharki, has plenty of sex appeal - so much so it is even banned in countries with strict Islamic laws.
The concert ban went ahead despite assurances by Tariq Al Bahhar, a media spokesperson for Ms Wehbe. He made it clear that the show wouldn't breach any of Bahrain's laws. He also said that the performer would "cover up" with the assistance of jeans and a sweater. This apparently wasn't enough for the austere lawmakers.
In 2003 Bahraini MP's also made a fuss about a concert by another Lebanese singer, Nancy Ajram. The legislators negative views of female performers who are slightly risque isn't appreciated by those Bahrainis who believe that their representatives should be focusing on more important concerns such as education and the economy. But perhaps a few of the MP's get a secret thrill from obsessing about sexually provocative singers - who knows some of them might even have Haifa Wehbe videos at home in some out-of-the-way place - just for reviewing purposes of course.
Bahrain Business Women's Society president, Mona Almoayyed, opposes the ban. She believes a hostile act by a competitor might also be behind it:
"She (Wehbe) is a singer and she isn't going to do anything wrong. She'll come, sing and entertain the people, including Bahraini families as well as families from Saudi who will be coming to see the show ... If MPs feel the concert is offensive, they shouldn't go to it and should stay at home. I am completely against their attitude and I think it's against Bahrain's reputation and tourism."
Haifa Wehbe is a courageous woman. She isn't easily intimidated by prudes who feel threatened by female sexuality. Compared to many Western acts, her performances are quite restrained. She comes from a mixed Sunni/Shia background and is respectful of Islamic law. Her detractors should note that she has dedicated her time and talents to charity shows worldwide.
I updated this post when news came in today, May 1st, that Haifa Wehbe decided to go ahead with the Bahrain show despite the opposition by Islamists. She was dressed modestly in a long green dress. The audience consisted mainly of families, with Gulf Arabs also in attendance from neighboring countries. According to those fortunate enough to get a ticket it was a great success. Kudos to Haifa!
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