Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram has decided to hold a performance in Bahrain after a three year absence. Her last performance in Bahrain witnessed protests by Islamist members of Parliament, demanding she be banned from the country. 

Nancy expressed her joy over returning to Bahrain and promised to sing a collection of her most popular hits from her latest album.

In 2003, riots also broke our in Bahrain during a concert held by Nancy.  Protestors demanded she also be prohibited from entering the country.

Police arrested dozens of protestors between the ages of 16 and 25, who were demonstrating outside Nancy’s concert in Manama, after they blocked the streets leading to the concert arena.  Reports stated that Bahraini police used tear gas to subdue the crowd.  

The riots occurred after a Bahraini parliament member submitted an urgent request that Nancy be forbidden from entering Bahrain and performing.

According to the Qatar based daily, Al Raya, Nancy will hold a performance on May 18th alongside a number of Arab singers, part of a series of concerts organized by the Lebanese radio station ‘Saout Al Ghad’ (The Voice of Tomorrow).

 

© 2006 Al Bawaba