Iraqi singer Kathem El Saher has cancelled his prescheduled concerts in Tunisia and at the International Carthage Festival over a lawsuit filed against him from a concert sponsor. The lawsuit was filed by the sponsor to a Tunisian court and a verdict is to be decided in the upcoming few days.
According to the Saudi based daily, Al Watan, the sponsor had previously reached an agreement with Kathem over having the sole right for all the singer’s concerts in Tunisia and had scheduled a number of performances for Kathem. The surprise came when Kathem had overlooked his previous agreement with the sponsor and made new agreements with other sponsors to hold other concerts around the Arab world.
The sponsor was in rage when he discovered that Kathem is to hold concerts in Lebanon and other Arab countries at the same time he had scheduled concerts for hiin Tunisia.
El Saher recently completed placing the final touches on his upcoming album scheduled for release this month, in order to return to France to be by the side of his mother who is receiving medical treatment. It was revealed that his mother's health is improving gradually and the singer should return to the Middle East in no time with her.
Rcently a book has been released in Beirut about Kathem entitled "The Savior of Romance", written by Hala Mohammad as a special gift to the singer and his fans. The singer is scheduled to take part in a number of summer festivals around the Arab world, a tradition he has followed throughout his singing career.
El Saher and British singer Sarah Brightman have recently completed a duet under the title “Intahat El Harb” (War is Over). The singers have come together to show the world that peace can be achieved when the West and East unite.
Kathem has made it a point to sing a number of duets with different Western singers since the US-led war on Iraq began. This new song talks about the aftermath of war and how all sides must work together in building a safe and peaceful world.
Al Saher revealed that he will be heading back home to Iraq after being away for over five years. The singer feels that it is his duty and responsibility to stand by his people and support them in any way he can.
Kathem has made a vow to dedicate his music and life to Iraq. Kathem said that he will return to serve Iraq in any way he can, adding that his people and country need him in their rebuilding process. The singer also stressed that he is against any foreign occupation of Iraq and feels that only Iraqis have the right to rule. –Albawaba.com
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
