Egypt: Beyonce stirs political and religious debates ahead of concert


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If there is one thing that could unite the muslims and Christians of Egypt, it is unlikely to be the raunchy dress style of American megastar and queen of bootylicious, Beyonce Knowles. Christian and Muslim fundamentalists are up in arms against her, describing her as “satanic.”

Beyonce is set to perform for the first time, this Friday in North Africa at the Red Sea Resort of Port Ghalib. But the queen of Pop is being described as a sinner and of satanic possession by the extreme wings of both religious sects.

Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamic movement and staunch opposition of the Mubarak government said the government is trying to divert peoples’ attention from real business of politics by bringing a singer who always appears naked in her video clips to play in Egypt.

Member of Parliament, Hamdi Hassan from the Muslim Brotherhood said: “The government is trying to make people indulge in sin and licentiousness to cover up the other crimes it is committing against them.”

The R&B diva’s stage performances make the eyes tweak. Her provocative dance moves and half-naked outfits could easily stir up reaction from ardent religious and modest people, observers have said. Beyonce who once claimed she is religious and goes to church was quickly slammed by an online Christian group, Jesus-is-saviour.com, “Beyonce is NO Christian. She is satanic, serving the Devil,” it stated.

Poverty is still endemic in Egypt and the ticket fee that has climbed up to US$400 is unreasonable high. Conservative Christians and Muslims in the land of the Pharaoh have questioned what benefit the show brings to the country apart from “immorality”.

This is not the first time the Bootylicious star’s performance will cause controversy. She was forced to cancel a 2007 concert in Malaysia over the country’s dress code as government regulations demand that female performers cover themselves from shoulders to knees. Gwen Stefani and Avril Lavigne have however previously performed successfully in Malaysia, abiding by the regulations without much protest.

Beyonce will also play in The UK and Ireland later this month, November. Included in her November itinerary are Russia, Turkey and Greece, while dates for South Africa and South America are to be announced later.

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