The video is one of the most watched on YouTube<\/a> since posting in 2020.<\/p>\nBut the court in Alexandria said the two singers had violated traditional and family values, although critics said the campaign resembled a ‘repression of artistic expression’.<\/p>\n
They were also accused of having benefited financially from the video with dancer Lordiana, already known in Egypt for her moves.<\/p>\n
The singers – Hamo Beeka and Omar Kamal – were sentenced to one year in prison and fined 10,000 Egyptian pounds. If they pay double their fine then the prison sentence is suspended, according to authorities.<\/p>\n
Critics say the development comes as part of a broader campaign against new “modern” rhythmic music known locally as ‘mahraganat’, or ‘festival music’.<\/p>\n
Since the ouster of President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, local authorities have stepped up surveillance of what is considered a moral violation in the country.<\/p>\n
In Kamal’s case, authorities mentioned that words such as “alcohol” and “hashish” were used in the song.<\/p>\n
But activists said restricting freedom of expression in favor of public morality should be in the right proportion.<\/p>\n
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