Mohamed Ramadan causes social media stir in 'half naked' Riyadh performance
Mohamed Ramadan causes social media stir in 'half naked' Riyadh performance
The 'Ensay' singer sparked controversy after appearing shirtless while donning a Saudi headdress at his sold-out concert in Riyadh.
2 min read
Mohamed Ramadan's Riyadh performance was attended by over 25,000 people [Getty]
singer Mohamed Ramadan causedÌýuproar on social media after appearing "half naked" whileÌýdonning a headdressÌýduring his sold-outÌýconcert in on Monday.
Ramadan sang his lyrics "I am the King" as he allegedly appeared shirtless with nothing but purple fabric under a Saudi agal - a headdress intended to weigh down scarves worn by men -ÌýÌýwhich he used to try and coverÌýhis chest with during his performance at theÌýRiyadh Season 2021Ìýfestival.
The 'Ensay' singer, who has reportedly previouslyÌývowed to remain clothed during concerts in Egypt, gathered numerous comments from angry social media users who deemed his actions in RiyadhÌýdisrespectful.
"I hope they set a ban on him and rid us of his disgusting [actions]... wearing an Agal like a curtain found in an apartment... a loss for the land of the two holy mosques" one Twitter user, .Ìý
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"How was this creature allowed to wear an incorrect Saudi Agal? and to say he's the king [while doing so]?" another Twitter user said.
Saudi Arabia'sÌýChairman of the General Entertainment Authority,ÌýTurki Al al-Sheikh, celebrated Ramadan's performance in the Saudi capital, which he says was attended by overÌý25,000 people, in a recently deletedÌýinstagram post. Al-Sheikh's post madeÌýno reference to the singer's clothing choice.
The uproar comes after Ramadan allegedly signed an agreementÌýwith the Musicians Syndicate to abide by performer regulations, which include not removing his clothes when on stage, a spokesperson from the syndicateÌýrevealed to local Egyptian newspaper Al-Yawm Al-SabaaÌýin an article published on Monday.
As Ramadan is not a member of the Egyptian syndicate, he must obtain one-day licences for live performances in Egypt,Ìýwhere he signs the same commitment each time he wishes to perform.
Some social media users alleged that the singer's Riyadh performanceÌýhad violated the agreement he allegedly signed with the syndicate, whileÌýothers said his pledge related to Egypt only.
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