Screenshot of the poster announcing Hiba Tawaji's now-canceled concerts in Damascus in March.
BEIRUT —Lebanese singer Hiba Tawaji has canceled two scheduled concert dates in Damascus on March 9 and 10, Shams Academy, the organizer of the concert, announced in a statement Saturday, saying it was "surprised by the decision." Fellow Lebanese musician Oussama Rahbani, who had been scheduled to appear with Tawaji, also canceled.
Here's what we know:
• Tawaji, who is married to Franco-Lebanese trumpet player Ibrahim Maalouf, became the subject of controversy this week, after actively promoting her upcoming concerts in the Syrian capital, from Lebanese and Syrians opposed to the government of Bashar al Assad and particularly among Lebanese fearful of a normalization of political ties with the Syrian regime. The concert would have been Tawaji's first appearance in Syria in 15 years.
• Tawaji and Rahbani did not immediately respond to requests from L'Orient-Le Jour. However, in a video message posted on Instagram, Tawaji said, "I am a Lebanese artist, and I have always wanted to represent Lebanon wherever I go. I have always done that. I am also an Arab artist and I have an Arab audience. who loves me in the region. ... I also have a large audience in Syria ... This audience insisted that I give a concert in Syria."
• She noted that a planned concert in Syria in 2020 was canceled due to the coronavirus. Following the announcement of the upcoming concerts, Tawaji said the media attention had caused her "to get involved in a debate and a controversy that I did not choose and which do not concern me," she said, adding, "I consulted with my team, and it turns out that the current circumstances may not be conducive to holding this concert."
• Tickets for the two concert dates sold for between 70,000 Syrian pounds ($19 at the black market rate) and 130,000 Syrian pounds ($35), prices unaffordable for the majority of the Syrian population, whose average salary does not exceed the $20 per month. The tickets purchased will be reimbursed, Shams Academy said.