Prominent Iraqi singer Kathem El Saher denied circulating rumors that he has died after suffering a heart attack.

An Arabic radio station recently made the false announcement while the singer was in the UAE.

The singer was shocked by the rumor, and intends to make a counter radio announcement that he is in good health and alive and kicking.

On a different note, the head of the 'Egyptian Television and Radio Union' decided to exclude Kathem from this year's celebration after the singer refused to abide by the terms of their contract, which stated that he must perform for the television network alongside other singers.

Recently Kathem was in London where he held a grand performance at the Royal Albert Hall. The concert drew over five thousand Arabs from across Europe, and proceeds went directly to needy Iraqi children.

Kathem also held concerts in Qatar and Sudan in March. Traditionally, the singer likes to hold performances around the Arab world to connect with his fans.

© 2006 Al Bawaba