In Paris, prominent Iraqi singer Kathem El Saher renewed his contract with the music production company Rotana, giving the company the sole right to produce and distribute his upcoming albums.
According to the Qatar based daily, Al Raya, Kathem had met with Rotana’s President Salim Al Hindi in Paris for the sole purpose of renewing the contract that had ended earlier this year.
Salim had expressed his happiness towards the fact that the singer decided to renew his contract and stressed that it is an honor for the company to have someone like Kathem on its team.
On his part, Kathem stated that he was honored as well to be a part of Rotana and that for the past 12 years that he has been with them he enjoyed ongoing support and success.
El Saher is placing the final touches on his upcoming album produced by ‘Rotana,’ and to be released during the Muslim holiday Eid Al Adha.
Kathem composed all the songs himself, collaborating with a number of poets, such as Karem Al Iraqi. The singer will travel to Egypt mid-Ramadan to begin recording at the Amar Al Sharee’e Studio.
During the war between Lebanon and Israel, Kathem cancelled all scheduled performances for the summer season in solidarity with the Lebanese people who were suffering at the hands of Israel.
Kathem’s decision reflected his opposition to "a ruthless war that is taking the lives of innocent civilians, and causing tremendous suffering while practically destroying Lebanon." The singer said he did not feel it was appropriate for him to sing and rejoice while Lebanon was experiencing a devastating massacre.
Kathem also donated US$18 thousand in emergency assistance. He gave the funds to a charitable Iraqi organization he established, that transferred the money directly to the Lebanese embassy in Iraq. Kathem said this is only a small effort on his part to show his gratitude to the Lebanese people for the support they have shown him throughout his career.
